Question

Discuss sub-surface investigation in rocks and structural geology of rocks.

Answer 1

Sub-surface investigation in rocks involves drillings.Drilling brings samples of subsurface materials to the surface. Geologists describe these samples and chart the descriptions against the depth from which they were cut. By comparing several well
descriptions, a hypothesis about what lies between the wells can be developed, and then tested with infill
drilling. These techniques assist in fossil fuel development, aquifer production and monitoring, and groundwater contamination studies. In some areas, wastewater is injected into deep saltwater aquifers for disposal.

Structural geology involves the study of the formation of folding, faulting, and jointing, which in turn
allows geologists to understand the stresses that created these features. Understanding the structural geology of a particular area is important to both petroleum and economic geologists in their determination of where to drill for oil or where to find valuable minerals. Engineering geologists use their knowledge of structural geology to determine the stability of man-made structures such as dams, road cuts, and tunnels.