Chapter 12

Model Development and Methodology

This chapter focuses on the development of mathematical models of geologic structures. In particular we consider the idealization of observed structures and the selection of general boundary conditions for model development. We begin by describing how G. K. Gilbert idealized the laccolithic intrusions in the Henry Mountains of southeastern Utah (Gilbert, 1877). The frontispiece for this chapter (see above) is an oblique aerial photograph of the eastern flank of Mt. Hillers showing the laccolithic intrusion at Black Mesa (background) and the Maiden Creek sill (foreground). At the end of this chapter we present a methodology for the practice of structural geology that summarizes the underlying concepts utilized throughout this textbook.