?Geology 324 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
Course Synopsis
Throughout the
semester, students are introduced to the basic principles of sedimentology: (1)
uniformitarianism, i.e. ‘the present is the key to the past’; (2)
superposition, i.e. ‘the younging orientation is critical to interpretation’;
and (3) original horizontality, i.e. ‘most sediments are deposited
horizontally’. Sedimentology is the
study of the processes of erosion, transport and deposition of sediments in
both modern- and palaeoenvironments. Sediment is generated by the erosion of
igneous, metamorphic, volcanic, or previously lithified sedimentary rock(s). In
the class, students learn the fundamentals on how to properly identify the four
groups of sedimentary rocks: clastic, carbonates, evaporates,
precipitates. Coupled with this is the
study of Stratigraphy, a study that contextualizes the horizontal and vertical
relation between sedimentary layers.
Dr R Tucker teaching (credit M Mayne)
Specific methods
discussed within this course include (1) description of outcrops; (2) mapping
of rock units; (3) descriptions of rock cores;
(4) description of grains and minerals; and (5) determination of rock
age. Additional sedimentological methods are (1) diagenetic analysis (2)
sequence stratigraphy, (3) basin analysis. Using these methods in combination
will enable a student/geologist to reconstruct the depositional history of an
entire basin or continental platform.
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The course will cover the following topics:
Sedimentology
Sedimentary processes, Sedimentary structures, Facies analysis, Sequence analysis, Basin analysis
Stratigraphy
Geochronology, Sequence stratigraphy, Chronostratigraphy, Magnetostratigraphy, Biostratigraphy
Course Goals
The goal of this course is to acquire knowledge of the processes involved in the formation of sedimentary rocks and to develop skills to interpret sedimentary rocks and reconstruct their depositional environment.
Study Outcomes
Knowledge of different depositional environments.
Recognition of depositional environments from rock record.
Ability to communicate scientifically on sedimentary rocks
Study Materials and Textbooks
? Principles of Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, S. Boggs
Jr., 2006, Pearson
? Unlocking the Stratigraphical Record; Advances in Modern
Stratigraphy, 1998, P. Doyle and M.R. Bennett, Wiley & Sons
? Sedimentary Rocks in the Field; A Colour Guide, 2006,
D.A.V. Stow, Manson Websites
Learning Opportunities
Students are encouraged to consult text books and journals on own initiative. During the course suggestions for literature will be given in the classroom and/or through SunLearn. Partial lecture notes will also be available on SunLearn.
