Geological Structures and Moving Plates

This book focuses on the interpretation of geological structures in terms of plate tectonics. The author deals firstly with the important properties of the lithosphere and the theoretical background needed to understand plate movements and plate interactions. He then goes on to describe the mechanical properties of plates, and the sources and distribution of stress in the lithosphere. The causes of plate motion are examined, along with the kinematic and geometric aspects of relative plate movements and interactions, whilst structures and plate movements in different tectonic regimes (divergent, convergent, intraplate and strike-slip) are discussed in some detail. Case studies are included, with specific examples from Phanerozoic and Precambrian orogenies. This book should be of interest to advanced undergraduate and postgraduate geologists, and should serve as a reference source for geophyscists.