Cross Section Definition Geology

Geologic cross section an interpretation of a vertical section through the earth s surface most usefully a profile for which evidence was obtained by geologic and geophysical techniques or from a geologic map.

Cross section definition geology. It is a section of the terrain where the different types of rocks their constitution and internal structure and the geometric relationship between them are represented. A geological cross section is a graphic representation of the intersection of the geological bodies in the subsurface with a vertical plane of a certain orientation. Geologic sections show the patterns of rocks as they might be exposed on the side of a road cut or on the wall of a trench.

Apparent dip is the inclination of geologic beds as seen from any vertical cross section not perpendicular to the strike of the geologic beds. Block diagram figure 5 4 a a geologic map shows the areal extent of geologic formations at the earth s surface and exhibits certain symbols that further define the geometry of the rock masses as they extend beneath the surface. They may also be vital in understanding the timing of deformation by showing the drape of sediment over developing folds or the thickening of the section across growth faults the following elements of cross section design are presented as if they were a sequence.

Source for information on geologic cross section. When a vertical cross section is perpendicular to the strike of the beds the inclination seen in the cross section is called the true dip. Geological sections and maps are pictures of what rocks do.

Balanced refers to the basic assumption made in constructing these sections. A dictionary of earth sciences dictionary. B a geologic cross section is a v ew of the geologic formations in a vertical plane.

Meaning of geologic cross section. Geologic cross section c. In geology the structure of the interior of a planet is often illustrated using a diagram of a cross section of the planet that passes through the planet s center as in the cross section of earth at right.

Cross sections are often used in anatomy to illustrate the inner structure of an organ as shown at the left. Balanced cross sections honor all available data and are constructed and analyzed to ensure they are geometrically possible and geologically admissible given reasonable assumptions about the predeformation setting of rocks and how rocks behave during deformation in a particular tectonic environment. Geologic maps show the pattern of rocks on the surface of the earth.