Keystone Foundation Archives

Items

• The Rock Structure
  The study of rock structure encompasses the texture, which describes the size, shape, and arrangement of grains in rocks, particularly sedimentary types that exhibit clastic texture. Structural geology focuses on the three-dimensional arrangement of rock units and their deformation history, revealing how rocks respond to various stress types like tension, compression, and shear. Key features include folds, faults, and joints, with folds representing bends from plastic deformation, while faults are fractures where rock movement occurs. Additionally, joints are weaknesses in rocks that can influence fluid movement and mineral formation. Unconformities signify gaps in geological records, indicating non-continuous sediment deposition. Overall, the characteristics of rocks affect groundwater movement and storage.