KEMENTERIAN RISET TEKNOLOGI DAN PENDIDIKAN TINGGI

UNIVERSITAS HASANUDDIN
FAKULTAS TEKNIK
DEPARTEMEN TEKNIK GEOLOGI
PROGRAM STUDI TEKNIK GEOLOGI

MATAKULIAH GEOLOGI SEJARAH

ACARA I : CROSS SECTION

MODUL

OLEH :
EGI JIM
D61116506

GOWA
2018
We have now worked through:

1. Some of the reasons why cross sections are important.

2. How to construct a simple cross section from basic geological maps.

3. How to calculate the true thickness of beds.

ANSWER :

1. Because the cross-sections are an indispensable complement of the geological maps;

maps and cross-sections are fruit of the interpretation of the arrangement of the rocks

using diverse types of data, normally incomplete and with different degrees of

uncertainty. Both are bi-dimensional representations of the geological reality and jointly

allow us to understand the tri-dimensional structure of the rocky volumes and, in

consequence, the geological history of a zone. The geological cross-sections have a very

relevant economic and social importance. They are the basis for planning engineering

works, fundamentally the lineal works that affect the surface and the subsurface (roads,

tunnels, utilities) and for the exploration and production of geological resources: water,

stones, minerals and energy. That’s why cross section is important.

2. How to construct a cross section :

1) First determine the line along which you are going to draw the section, it should
2) On some graph paper draw an x axis with the same scale and length as the line of the
cross section. Then add y axes to both end,that have a relevan scale to the topographic
contours.
3) Using a scrap piece of paper, mark on where structure contours intercept your cross
sectional line.
4) Overlay your scrap piece of paper with your cross section and mark on the different
topographical contour points.
 5) Join these dots up, you should end up with an accurate scaled topographic cross section
that looks something like the one below.
6) Next, with your scrap piece of paper add in where the lithological boundaries intercept
your cross sectional line
7) Next, overlay your scrap piece of paper with your cross section and mark on the different
lithological boundaries.
8) Next, extrapolate from these points the bed boundaries; If they dip, then draw the lines at
the correct angle of dip for each bed. However for this example, as the unit boundaries
followed the contours, they are evidently horizontal (remember The Law of “V’s”). Now
you have drawn an accurate, to scale, cross section.

3. Calculating true thickness from a map is actually very simple, just plug all the necessary
numbers into the following equation:

True thickness (t) =

width of outcrop (w) x sin (θ)
(angle of dip)