Structural geology is the study of processes and products of rock deformation. This course introduces the techniques of structural geology through a survey of the mechanics of rock deformation, a survey of the features and geometries of faults and folds, and techniques of strain analysis. Regional structural geology and tectonics are introduced. Upon completion of this training course, participants will be able to:

1. Apply mechanical-stratigraphic concepts to understand and predict trap geometry.

2. Use restoration and balance to validate an interpretation and interpret the structural evolution.

3. Recognize the structural style or styles of a region map and cross-sectional expression.

4. Distinguish characteristics of each structural style on reflection seismic sections.

5. Interpret the mechanics of deformation for each structural style.

6. Predict effects of deformation on reservoir porosity , permeability , and continuity.

1. Mechanical principles governing folding and faulting.

2. Mechanical stratigraphy.

3. Predicting structure from stratigraphy.

4. Deformation mechanisms.

5. Folding vs. faulting.

6. Palinspastic restoration of cross sections.

7. Structural validation criteria.

8. Sequential restoration and growth history.

9. Structural assemblages: families and styles.

10. Fault-related folds.

11. Regional arches and domes.

12. Compaction, dissolution and impact structures.

13. Wrench faults: simple, convergent, and divergent.

14. Thin-skinned fold-thrust belts.

15. Basement-involved contraction.

16. Inversion.

17. Thin-skinned extension.

18. Basement-involved extension.

19. Salt sheets.

20. Diapers.

21. Exploration problems for each style.

22. Plate-tectonic habitats of structural assemblages.

23. Effects of structures in reservoir: joints, stylolites, faults.

24. Deformation that enhances or reduces permeability.

25. Predicting the effect of fault zones on fluid flow.

26. Tectonic synthesis and exploration project. 

Exploration and development geologists, geophysicists, engineers, and geoscience managers.