CE317 – CIVIL ENGINEERING

FIELDWORK
ASSIGNEMENT FOR GEOLOGY FIELD VISIT

IZMIE F.A.
E/18/146
SEMESTER 07
30/11/2023
 CE317 Civil Engineering Fieldwork
Assignment Submission for Geology Field Visit

1. What minerals/rock types were identified during the field visit?

During our Geology field visit, we visited three checkpoints to identify various types of minerals and
rocks.

A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic substance with a definite crystalline structure and
chemical composition.

Minerals Identified:

Quartz: Quartz is a silicon and oxygen mineral found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary
rocks.

Rocks are solid substances composed of two or more minerals.

Khondalite

Khondalite is a high-grade metamorphic rock that is typically found in Precambrian shield areas. It is
characterized by its high content of quartz, sillimanite, and garnet, and it often contains graphite as
well. Khondalite is thought to have formed from the metamorphism of sedimentary rocks, such as
shale and sandstone. It is a hard and durable rock that is resistant to weathering.

Figure 1: Khondalite found at Location 01

Quartzite

Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that is composed almost entirely of quartz. It is typically white or gray
in color, and it has a hard and granular texture. Quartzite is formed from the metamorphism of
sandstone, and it is a common rock type in mountain ranges. It is a durable rock that is resistant to
weathering, and it is used in a variety of applications, such as construction and abrasives.
 Figure 2: Quartize found at Location 02

Gneiss

Gneiss is a metamorphic rock that is characterized by its banded or layered appearance. It is typically
composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica, and it may also contain other minerals, such as hornblende
and garnet. Gneiss is formed from the metamorphism of a variety of rock types, including igneous
rocks, sedimentary rocks, and other metamorphic rocks. It is a common rock type in continental
shields, and it is a durable rock that is resistant to weathering.

Figure 3: Gneiss Found at Location 01

2. What are the geological processes observed at the sites?

During our field visit, we observed weathering of all three types.

1) Physical weathering
2) Chemical weathering
3) Biological weathering

Biological Weathering

Biological weathering is the process of breaking down rock through the actions of living organisms.
This can be done through a number of different mechanisms, including:
Root action: As roots grow into cracks and crevices in rocks, they can exert pressure that widens and
opens these cracks, eventually breaking the rock apart.

Figure 4: Biological Weathering due to Roots identified at Location 01

Acid production: Some organisms, such as lichens, produce acids that can dissolve minerals in rocks.
This can lead to the formation of pits and holes in the rock.

Microorganisms: Bacteria and other microorganisms can also contribute to weathering by breaking
down rock into smaller particles.

Chemical Weathering

Chemical weathering is the process of breaking down rocks through chemical reactions. This can be
caused by a number of different factors, including:

Water: Water is one of the most important agents of chemical weathering. When water enters cracks
and crevices in rocks, it can dissolve minerals and carry them away. This can lead to the formation of
new minerals and the breakdown of existing ones.

Temperature changes: Repeated heating and cooling of rocks can cause them to crack and break apart.
This is especially true in areas with high temperatures and rapid changes in temperature.

Physical Weathering

Physical weathering is the process of breaking down rocks without changing their chemical
composition. This can be caused by a number of different factors, including:

Ice wedging: When water freezes in cracks and crevices, it expands and can widen and open these
cracks, eventually breaking the rock apart.

Expanding salts: Some salts, such as halite (NaCl), can expand when they come into contact with
water. This can cause cracks to form in rocks, eventually leading to their disintegration.
 Frost action: Repeated freezing and thawing of water can cause rocks to break apart. This is especially
true in areas with cold climates.
Soil Erosion
Soil erosion is the process by which soil is moved or displaced from its original location. It occurs due to
natural factors like wind, water, and gravity, as well as human ac􀆟vi􀆟es such as deforestation and
improper land management. Soil erosion can lead to loss of topsoil, decreased fertility, and
environmental degradation.
Landslides
Landslides are rapid mass movements of rock, soil, or debris down a slope. They are triggered by factors
such as heavy rainfall, earthquakes, erosion, or human activities. Landslides can cause significant damage
to infrastructure, alter landscapes, and pose risks to human life and property.

Figure 5: Landslide at Location 03

3. How to measure the Strike of the bedding plane?

The strike is the direction of a line formed by the intersection of a bedding plane and a horizontal
plane. To determine the strike, first identify the dip direction, which is the direction of the steepest
slope down from the horizontal plane. To find the dip direction, slowly pour water onto the bedding
surface. The direction of water flow is the dip direction. Measure the direction of the dip using a
compass or a similar tool. (Use a vertical angle measuring tool to measure the angle of inclination of
the bedding plane from the horizontal. This angle is the dip angle.) Hold another compass or directional
tool perpendicular to the previous line and measure its direction. This is the strike of the bedding plane.
(Strikes are typically measured in degrees, clockwise from north.)

Figure 6: Measuring Strike angle and Dip Angle

4. What are the geological structures identified during the field visit?

Faults
Faults are fractures in the Earth’s crust where rocks have undergone movement. They occur when rocks
experience stress that exceeds their strength, causing them to break and shift. Faults can be classified into
different types based on the type of forces and movements involved.
Normal faults are formed by tensional forces, where rocks are pulled apart, resulting in the hanging wall
moving downward relative to the footwall. Reverse faults, on the other hand, are created by compressional
forces, causing the hanging wall to move upward relative to the footwall. Strike-slip faults occur due to lateral
shearing forces, where rocks slide past each other horizontally along the fault plane.
Faults play a crucial role in the deformation and evolution of the Earth’s crust. They can cause significant
geological phenomena such as earthquakes and the creation of mountain ranges. The study of faults helps
geologists understand the processes and forces that shape the Earth’s surface and provides insights into the
dynamic nature of our planet.

Folds

Folds are geological features that occur when tectonic forces act on rock strata. These pressures cause the
rocks to bend or curve, resulting in folded formations. Folds are classified into two types: an􀆟clines and
synclines.
An􀆟clines are upward-arching folds in which the oldest rock layers are in the core and the younger layers are
on the sides. Synclines, on the other hand, are downward-arching folds that have the youngest rock layers in
the core and the older layers on the sides. Folding is caused largely by compressional pressures in the Earth's
crust, which is frequently related with tectonic plate collision and mountain-building processes. These
pressures bend and fold the rocks, resulting in the production of diverse fold patterns seen in mountain ranges
and other geologically active areas.

Figure 7: Folds Identified at Location 03

Joints
Joints in rocks are fractures or cracks that develop without considerable displacement or movement of the rock
masses on either side of the fracture. Joints, unlike faults, are distinguished by the absence of quantifiable
displacement along the fracture plane. Internal tensions inside the Earth's crust, such as tectonic movements,
cooling and contraction of rocks, or pressure release, cause joints to develop.
The size, form, and orientation of joints can vary, and they can have a considerable impact on the strength and
behavior of rocks. They frequently create fracture sets or networks, which can alter the overall mechanical
characteristics and stability of rock formations Joints can also contribute to the forma􀆟on of other geological
formations by permitting fluid penetration, altering erosion patterns, or acting as channels for groundwater
migration.
Geologists investigate joints to learn about the stress history and deformation of rocks, as well as how they
affect engineering projects, natural resource exploitation, and geological risks.

Figure 8: Joints at Location 03