GEOL 320
SEDIMENTATION AND STRATIGRAPHY
GEOL 320. Sedimentation and Stratigraphy
Three hours lecture; two hours laboratory (4).
Prerequisite: GEOL 105 and GEOL 100 or GEOL 106.
Introduction to origin, transportation and deposition of sediments and interpretation of sedimentary deposits. Study of principles involved in describing, classifying and interpreting stratified sedimentary rocks.
The major topics covered in this course include sedimentology and stratigraphy. These two subjects are so interrelated that they are traditionally taught together as one course.
Sedimentology details the study of siliciclastic and nonsiliciclastic sediments through their description, classification, and interpretation. Sediments are described in terms of texture, composition, and structures. They are then classified using a variety of the most accepted classification schemes. Interpretation is a broad subject that begins with studies of modern sedimentary processes and uses them to interpret ancient sedimentary rocks. It includes a complete study of the Sedimentary Cycle for the purpose of learning the "life history" of a sedimentary rock. This includes the environments in which sediments formed and in which they were deposited and lithified. The concept of facies and depositional environments is strongly emphasized.
Stratigraphy is the study of rock layers. Overlapping with sedimentology, it deals with the description and classification of rocks, but its major concern is with their temporal (vertical) and spatial (horizontal or lateral) distributions and relationships. This is achieved by examining geologic time, the naming of rock strata, the correlation of rock strata, and the techniques (generally graphic) for presenting the data. Emphasis is placed on current views of cyclic sedimentation and the relationship between tectonics and sedimentation.
The course includes three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory a week. Lecture presents the basic information of sedimentology and stratigraphy. The student is asked to read related journal articles as a supplement to lecture. Laboratory includes a series of exercises including graphing, map-making, and the construction of stratigraphic sections. However, the major emphasis is on a research project in which each student collects data and produces a scientific report on the results of his or her findings.
1. Students will know and understand the basic principles, processes, and facts of sedimentology and stratigraphy.
2. Students will learn to recognize the textures, compositions, and sedimentary structures of sediments and sedimentary rocks and how to use them to classify sediments and sedimentary rocks.
3. Students will learn to interpret ancient sedimentary rocks as facies and to recognize their depositional environments through studies of modern sedimentary processes and depositional environments.
4. Students will learn techniques for presenting stratigraphic data.
5. Students will learn how to further their knowledge of sedimentology and stratigraphy by the use of the scientific literature.
6. Students will apply the theoretical knowledge gained in lecture to the practical problems posed in lab including an actual scientific investigation and scientific written report.
7. Students will gain knowledge and skills that can be used for further study in advanced courses, graduate school, and in industry.
Assessment is based on a number of lecture exams and laboratory exercises. Lecture exams will assess the student's knowledge of the basic principles, processes, and facts of sedimentology and stratigraphy. Lecture exams will assess the student's recognition of facies and depositional environments. Lecture exams and laboratory exercises will assess the student's skill in recognizing textures, compositions, and sedimentary structures of sediments and sedimentary rocks and how to use them to classify sediments and sedimentary rocks. Each student will be assessed on their ability to do scientific research by submitting a final scientific report on their semester long research project which will be written in the style of a professional journal paper.
1. GEOL 320 is a required course for a General Geology Concentration for a B.S. degree in geology.
2. Bibliography:
Date Action Approved By
September 16, 2005 Reviewed and Updated Stephen W. Lenhart, Chair