Structural
Geology of Large Fracture Zones
in the Allegheny Plateau
in the Allegheny Plateau
Structural geology is the science of interpreting features
in the rocks to infer the stresses that have deformed the units.
A recent branch of my research has been to investigate the
structural geology of the Allegheny Plateau in the vicinity of
Pitt-Johnstown. The Allegheny Plateau is characterized long
wavelength, low amplitude folds that are parallel to the Appalachian
Mountain belt. In addition to the folds of the plateau, there are a
series of fracture zones known as lineaments. These lineaments are
characterized by deeply penetrating fractures and increased jointing
that has associated Pb-Zn and Cu mineralization.
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| Above is a map of the
Allegheny Plateau in the vicinity of Pitt-Johnstown. The map shows the
locations of folds, lineaments, and kimberlite intrusions. |
My current research in this area is focused on the nature and features of the structural lineaments in the Allegheny Plateau. Characterizing these lineaments and understanding the stress that have created these structural elements will provide a greater understanding of the events of the Alleghenian Orogeny.
I have written several review papers that have contributed to field conference guidebooks:
- Kerrigan, R. J. (2017) Structural Geology of the Allegheny Front near Chimney Rocks. in Kerrigan, R. J. (ed.), Dinner at the Outcrop: Chimney Rocks, Hollidaysburg, PA, Annual Field Conference of the Northern Alleghenies Geological Society, pp. 3-9.
Future Projects in Structural Geology:
- Mapping the structural lineaments of the Allegheny Plateau
- Examining the stresses that have created the lineaments
- Identifying area of mineralization related to the lineament fracture zones
Other Projects:
- Petrology and Geochemistry in Portugal
- Volcanic Ashes and Hydrothermal veining in the Alleghany Plateau
- Petrology, Geochemistry, and Structural Geology of Ultramafic Rocks
- Petrology, Geochemistry, and Structural Geology of Pegmatites
- Petrology, Geochemistry, and Structural Geology of Granites
- Environmental Assessment and Remediation
Top images (left to right): Geologic Map of the Youngsford Road ultramfic body; field work at Bells Mill Road with Ryan Kerrigan, Loring Simboli, and Sam Louderback; XPL image of orthopyroxene altering to anthophyllite; Secondary electron image of relict olivine altering to serpentine; field contact between the Bells Mill granodiorite and the Wissahickon schist; trace element chemical discrimination diagram for serpentinites. Copyright © 2024 Ryan Kerrigan (last updated Jun 2024)