Structural Geology for Petroleum Geoscientists

Undoubtedly, Structural Geology for Petroleum Geoscientists stands as a crucial discipline for geoscientists within the petroleum industry. Within deformed rock formations, the presence of folds and faults creates reservoirs for the accumulation of hydrocarbons. Furthermore, tectonic activities on a grand scale, often referred to as tectonics, play a pivotal role in shaping the framework of sedimentary basins conducive to oil exploration. The primary responsibility of a structural geologist is to decode geological maps and field data to deduce the configurations of significant-scale folds and faults. Nonetheless, the need for structural interpretations isn’t confined solely to geoscientists with specific expertise; professionals from diverse specializations working with varying data sets may also find themselves called upon to decipher structural complexities.

It is of utmost importance that geoscientists with diverse backgrounds, contributing to the oil industry, possess a foundational understanding of structural geology. Although a myriad of well-crafted structural geology textbooks exists, it seems that many petroleum geoscientists hesitate to engage with these resources. This hesitance could likely stem from the perception that these textbooks often encompass content exceeding the requirements of petroleum-focused professionals. In this publication, the spotlight is firmly directed toward subjects that, in my view, hold common relevance for most petroleum geologists and geophysicists.Principles of Structural Geology

My aspiration is that this work will serve as a particularly beneficial guide for those who may not have extensively delved into the intricacies of structural geology during their academic pursuits. Furthermore, students undertaking bachelor’s level courses in structural geology may uncover valuable insights within this book’s pages. For those seeking more comprehensive discussions on the topics covered herein, a wealth of detailed information can be found in established structural geology textbooks, many of which are listed within the reference section—a collection that remains ever-present on my desk.

Contents

• Introduction
• Planes and lines
• Force and stress
• Mohr circle
• Strain
• Stress-strain relation
• Brittle fracture criteria
• Faults: Morphology and classification
• Thrust faults
• Normal faults
• Strike-slip faults
• Folds: Geometry and classification
• Fault-related folding
• Balanced cross sections: Introduction
• Section Construction
• Section restoration
• References