Toadstool research project goals:

• document in detail and at a variety of scales the fault, vein, fracture and paleodrainage orientations and geometries in the Toadstool area.
• understand the mechanics of vein and fault formation, especially of how they grow (propagation patterns and history).
• relate the observed structural patterns in the Toadstool area to the regional structural pattern, including the Black Hills and the Colorado Lineament.
• understand the nature of intraplate strain better, and specifically explore thin-skinned models as opposed to thick skinned mechanisms for this strain.
• constrain the timing of the fault and vein development, and place it in the context of regional deformation events.
• to explore the utility of GIS software for learning more about intraplate strain.
• give students a novel research experience.
• specific planned project outcomes include:
  • a GIS database of the structures in the area.
  • senior theses by geology majors.
  • student reports by those involved in independent study.
  • a web site for disseminating results.
  • presentations at professional meetings.
  • papers in professional journals.