---
title: "Define structural geology"
subject: "Engineering Geology I"
chapter: 5
key: "semester_3/engineering_geology_i:define-structural-geology"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/engineering_geology_i/define-structural-geology
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Define structural geology

Engineering Geology I · Chapter 5: Structural Geology

- Asked in: 2076 Chaitra, 0.5 marks
- Video: [Structural Geology - Lesson 1 - Part 1 of 4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN2LBvt73OI) — C. Gunn-Rosas
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/engineering_geology_i/define-structural-geology
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/engineering_geology_i/chapter-5

## Question

Define structural geology.

## Short answer

Structural geology is the branch of geology that deals with the geometry, form, origin, and relationships of rock structures produced by crustal deformation, such as folds, faults, joints, and unconformities.

## Answer

**Structural geology** is the branch of geology that deals with the study of the geometry, form, origin and relationships of rock structures produced by deformation of the earth's crust, such as folds, faults, joints and unconformities.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Structural geology deals with
   A. identification of minerals by colour
   B. geometry, form, origin and relationships of rock structures from crustal deformation
   C. study of fossils in sediments
   D. chemical composition of seawater
   Answer: B. It studies deformation structures like folds, faults and joints. (Key point: Definition)

2. Which are examples of structures studied?
   A. Feldspar, quartz and mica
   B. Rivers, lakes and glaciers
   C. Folds, faults, joints and unconformities
   D. Sandstone, shale and limestone names only
   Answer: C. Structural geology covers deformation features of the crust. (Key point: Examples)

3. What produces the structures studied?
   A. Deformation of the earth's crust
   B. Chemical precipitation only
   C. Volcanic cooling only
   D. Wind erosion only
   Answer: A. Stress deforms crustal rocks to make structures. (Key point: Cause)

## Related in Engineering Geology I

- [Scope of petrology and structural geology](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fengineering_geology_i%3Ascope-of-petrology-and-structural) — Engineering Geology I, chapter 1

## Related in other subjects

- [Structural control on geo-hazards](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fengineering_geology_ii%3Astructural-control-hazard) — Engineering Geology II, chapter 5, asked 2×