AboutKeith Patton Expertise I can answer questions concerning physical and historical geology, environmental geology/hydrology, environmental consulting, remote sensing/aerial photo interpretation, G&G computer applications, petroleum exploration, drilling, geochemistry, geochemical and microbiological prospecting, 3D reservoir modeling, computer mapping and drilling.I am not a geophysicist.
Experience I have 24 years experience split between the petroleum and environmental industries. I have served as an expert witness in remote sensing, developmental geologist, exploration geologist, enviromental project manager, and subject matter expert in geology and geophysical software development.
Organizations American Association of Petroleum Geologists
American Association of Photogrammetrists and Remote Sensing
Education/Credentials Bachelor and Master of Science
Registered Geologist in State of Texas
Question Hi,
I know roughly how the wilson cycle works.
For each stage of the cycle (rift, drift, convergence, collision) what rock types (sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic) and what types of structures could be seen. How would the rocks and structures of each stage overprint those of the previous stages?
Answer Mariah:
It it a pretty complex explaination, too long to answer here. I found two discussions of the cycle, the first link should answer your questions. If you have more questions feel free to ask. The first link describes the types of rocks that form at each stage and the resulting structure types too. BTW, I had never heard it referred to as the Wilson Cycle. I took my first geology course in 1974, 8 years after Wilson published his 1966 paper describing how the continents figured into plate tectonics, ocean basin opening and closing and the rest. But until today, I had never heard it credited to him as his cycle. I have given talks on plate tectonics in schools many times and never heard the term. It was probably credited to him after his death in 1993. I guess we all learn something new.
