Four dimensional analysis of geological maps. Techniques of interpretation / Анализ геологических карт по четырем измерениям. Техника интерпретации

By the end of this book students should be well grounded in the basic techniques of geological map analysis. This is primarily an exercise in 3-D geometry coupled with a need to appreciate the time element which is central to the study of geology. Geology is emphatically four-dimensional! The level of the text is introductory, targeted at first-year university students, though it may be of use to those in the last year or so of secondary education and should be a useful reference work throughout an undergraduate course. Because university courses vary considerably in style and emphasis, the attempt at comprehensive coverage here is probably too large for any one first year. However, the great diversity of courses will also ensure that for some topics in some courses the depth of coverage will be inadequate. The fundamentals given for each topic should satisfy all. Beyond this introductory stage each topic could fill several volumes. None of the coverage could be called advanced but in dealing with the basics a primary criterion has been one of correctness. A major failing of many texts in this field is that simplification has led to misleading or incorrect ideas being put forward. The basics cherished by most are dealt with but in the framework of modern approaches. Another justification for this book is that its many predecessors are now getting on in age and are often badly outmoded. Terminology and methods have changed considerably in the 1970s and 1980s particularly in dealing with stratigraphic procedures, and folded and faulted rocks. Also earlier texts are certainly weak in structural geology and this may partially account for the large number of practising geologists who show a very basic lack of understanding in this area. Stratigraphers would probably agree with these sentiments. <...>