Assignment 20: An Introduction to Structural Deformation- Faults and Folds

Introduction

Geologic structures such as faults and folds are the architecture of the earth’s crust. Geologic structures influence the shape of the landscape, determine the degree of landslide hazard, bring old rocks to the surface, bury young rocks, trap petroleum and natural gas, shift during earthquakes, and channel fluids that create economic deposits of metals such as gold and silver.

Folds, faults, and other geologic structures accommodate large forces such as the stress of tectonic plates jostling against each other and smaller forces such as the stress of gravity pulling on a steep mountainside. An understanding of the structures that shape the earth’s crust can help you see when and where the crust was subjected to pushing or pulling terrane accretion, or crustal rifting.

Directions: 

1) This assignment is designed to assist you in learning the concepts of this module as well as assess your understanding and application of the content. Since this assignment is a combined Formative and  Summative Assessment of the module, it is considered a high-stakes assignment and will have a significant impact on your grade. To ensure that you understand and can apply the content, you will be provided two (2) opportunities to complete this assignment with the highest grade being kept as your final grade. Both attempts must be completed and submitted before the due date or the late policy will be applied to both submissions. This is a setting in Canvas I cannot control. No modifications will be made as you have been made aware of this setting. 

2) This assignment has no time limit and does not have to be completed in one sitting. Please do not click Submit Assignment until you have completed it. This assignment must be completed by the due date or the 10%/ day late policy will be applied to your grade. 

3) To begin this assignment, click the "Take the Quiz" button below.