Three-dimensional Fold Geometry and Folding: Deformation Scale and Spectral Curvature Computational Methods

Geological structural analysis requires the description of rock volumes and the identification of their spatial extent with respect to their deformation history. Thus, the development of terminology and geometric descriptions of structures that are commensurate with the deformation process are essential. This thesis comprises a body of work that investigates multi-scale geometric characterisation of three-dimensional geological surfaces using manifold harmonics together with deformation statistics. This provides important insights into how surface curvature together with field observations of strain can be utilised to understand the three-dimensional geometry of strain pathways, which subsequently can be used to identify potential structurally-enhanced permeability areas.