Structural geology / Структурная геология

In the preparation of this new edition I have followed the general policy adopted in the previous editions. As before, the emphasis has been placed on the principles of structural geology. Some consideration was given to the inclusion of several chapters on regional structure and the fascinating subject of mountain ranges and continents. But to treat these * subjects adequately would take so many pages that the book would either be greatly lengthened or some of the fundamental principles would be less fully treated.

The usual problem of proper balance has arisen. A definition of the _ exact limits of structural geology is an academic question of little practical importance. Nevertheless, an author must make arbitrary decisions on this matter. He must decide, for example, which subjects lie within the fields of stratigraphy and sedimentation and which are primarily the concern of the structural geologist. I suggest that the origin of those features related to the processes of sedimentation are not part of structural geology. Thus the origins of bedding and of primary structures (ripple marks, cross-bedding, etc.) are the concern of the sedimentationist. The structural geologist, however, is interested in these features as tools for working out the major structure or as features that may be confused with tectonic structures. <...>