Structural Geology: A Quantitative Introduction

by David Pollard, Stephen J. Martel

Tackling structural geology problems today requires a quantitative understanding of the underlying physical principles, and the ability to apply mathematical models to deformation processes within the Earth. Accessible yet rigorous, this unique textbook demonstrates how to approach structural geology quantitatively using calculus and mechanics, and prepares students to interface with professional geophysicists and engineers who appreciate and utilize the same tools and computational methods to solve multidisciplinary problems. Clearly explained methods are used throughout the book to quantify field data, set up mathematical models for the formation of structures, and compare model results to field observations. An extensive online package of coordinated laboratory exercises enables students to consolidate their learning and put it into practice by analyzing structural data and building insightful models. Designed for single-semester undergraduate courses, this pioneering text prepares students for graduates studies and careers as professional geoscientists.

454 pages, Hardcover

Published July 23, 2020

About the author

David Pollard was born in London in 1942. He fled accountancy to the University of Sussex where he was given his three degrees in literature, the history of ideas and philosophy. The last of these, a doctorate, was published as The Poetry of Keats: Language and Experience and is a Heideggerian interpretation of the poet. He has also published other work on Keats, as well as on Blake and Nietzsche. His latest, Nietzsche’s Footfalls, a meditation on the philosopher and his times, came out in 2003. He has also reviewed extensively in the fields of both philosophy and literature. Pollard’s work has appeared in: Omphalos, Tears in the Fence, Aletheia, Fire, Eratica, Eclipse and Poetry Monthly. He is curently writing a comparison of Blake and Nietzsche.

Reviews

[Carol Y · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title is misleading. Not really a Structural Geology book, rather it should be titled as Mathematical Description of Structural Geology and Rock Mechanics.

The brittle and ductile chapters are somewhat informative. Fluid mechanics chapter is a refresher at basic level. Last part of geological features cover very little descriptive elements, with insufficient definitions for jargons. I'm then convinced it's not a book for Structural Geology but a math refresher for related numerical models. Also the models focus more on meter to lattice small scales, instead of field lengths.

It's interesting to see that a major reference is Transport Phenomena by B.S.L. that I used for ChemE.