Planar foliation defined by a tabular succession of layers > 5 mm thick. This definition is based on the proposed definition of gneiss by the NADM Science Language Technical Team, so that the GeologicStructure characteristic of gneiss is layering. The committee discussed the possibility that layering should be considered a kind of foliation, but the majority opinion was that it is a different kind of structure. Kept so that instance documents have a "Layering" tag
A planar arrangement of textural or structural features in any type of rock. Includes any of a wide variety of penetrative planar geological structures that may be present in a rock. Examples include schistosity, mylonitic foliation, penetrative bedding structure (lamination), and cleavage. Following the proposed definition of gneiss by the NADM Science Language Technical Team, penetrative planar foliation defined by layers > 5 mm thick is considered Layering. Bedding as a fabric representing the average orientation of paleodepositional surface should be encoded through the foliationType; might apply to bedding that is layering or a foliation without layering (e.g. clast alignment in amalgamated beds).
Defines the two GeologicUnits that make up the relationship described by the Contact
Very general concept representing any kind of surface separating two geologic units including primary boundaries such as depositional contacts, all kinds of unconformities, intrusive contacts, and gradational contacts, as well as faults that separate geologic units. Permeability of contacts still needs to be modeled; considered out of scope for GeoSciML2. Bedding measured as discrete surfaces in the case that those are the feature of interest (e.g. individual cross set surfaces for paleocurrent analysis) should be represented here.
Structures present in geology that do not have a preferred orientation Includes small-scale structures that are characteristic of the geologic unit, e.g. herringbone crossbedding, mudcracks, graded bedding, planar lamination, miarolitic cavities, nebulitic structure, trace fossils, fossil molds
One or more systematically curved layers, surfaces, or lines in a rock body. Fold denotes a structure formed by the deformation of a GeologicStructure to form a structure that may be described by the translation of an abstract line (the fold axis) parallel to itself along some curvilinear path (the fold profile). Folds have a hinge zone (zone of maximum curvature along the surface) and limbs (parts of the deformed surface not in the hinge zone). Folds are described by an axial surface, hinge line , profile geometry, the solid angle between the limbs, and the relationships between adjacent folded surfaces if the folded structure is a Layering fabric (similar, parallel).
A shear displacement structure includes all brittle to ductile style structures along which displacement has occurred, from a simple, single 'planar' brittle or ductile surface to a fault system comprised of 10's of strands of both brittle and ductile nature. This structure may have some significant thickness (a deformation zone) and have an associated body of deformed rock that may be considered a DeformationUnit
A configuration of matter in the Earth based on describable inhomogeneity, pattern, or fracture in an EarthMaterial. The identity of a GeologicStructure is independent of the material that is the substrate for the structure. Properties like "clast-supported", "matrix-supported", and "graded bed" that do not involve orientation are considered kinds of GeologicStructure because they depend on the configuration of parts of a rock body. Includes sedimentary structures. The general GeologicRelation is used to associate penetrative GeologicStructures with GeologicUnits.
A composite structure that is an aggregation of genetically related instances of Faults and/or DuctileShearStructures. A FaultSystem is composed of individually identified and mapped Faults and/or DuctileShearStructures that are considered distinct ShearDisplacementStructures, that generally form overlapping, anastomosing patterns in which, at any point along the fault system, multiple fault strands are identified and each considered important at the scale of description. Displacement and other descriptive data may be assigned at the 'fault segment', 'fault', or 'fault system level'.
A collection of congruent folds (axis and axial surface are parallel) produced by the same tectonic event. Sometimes referred to as a "Fold Train".
Fractures are cracks in the earth surface. If there is no displacement it is a joint. If there is displacement and you are in the brittle zone it is a fault. In the ductile zone, a fracture with displacement with fracture is called a shear. FaultSurface as a separate class is not considered necessary for GeoSciML 2. Recording observations on FaultSurface should be in observation and measurement. The observation needs to be able to distinguish the type of measurement made (PropertyType)
GeologicStructure defined by aligned elongate elements. Lineation connotes a pervasive linear structure. Includes: flow lines, scratches, striae, slickenlines, linear arrangements of elongate components in sediments, fold hinges (when abundant and closely spaced), elongate minerals, crinkles, and lines of intersection between penetrative planar structures. Class also includes discrete linear structures like boudin, channel axis, tool marks.