Module GEOL2031: Sedimentary Environments

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL2031: Sedimentary Environments

Prerequisites

• Earth Materials (GEOL1021).

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To develop an understanding of the processes involved in the formation and diagenesis of sedimentary rocks and to enable identification and evaluation of sedimentary units on scales varying from microscopic to formational.
• To analyse the deposits from, processes of, and factors influencing, a variety of continental, marginal marine and wholly marine sedimentary environments using a range of sedimentary techniques.
• To highlight important economic or scientific applications of sedimentology.

Content

• Process Sedimentology.
• Sedimentary processes and beforms .
• Liquefaction and soft sediment deformation.
• Sedimentary structures.
• External controls on sedimentary environment.
• Sedimentary basins and deposition.
• Sediment deposition, environments and facies in continental environments.
• Sediment deposition, environments and facies in marine environments.
• Applied sedimentology

Learning Outcomes

• evaluate the physical, chemical and biological processes that lead to sedimentary rock formation and their subsequent diagenesis under different environmental conditions.
• be conversant with the principal environments in which sediments are deposited and be able to identify these in the geological record on the basis of their distinguishing features.
• Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in geological principles, terms, definitions and classifications.
• Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in the structure, composition and history of the Earth/geological timescales.
• Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in the structure and properties of Earth materials.

• On successful completion of this module students will be able to: use hand specimens and the petrological and microscope to identify minerals and assess the significance of textures processes of formation in selected suites of sedimentary rocks.
• Construct, correlate and interpret measured sections through a variety of rock successions to enable spatial and temporal variations to be identified and appropriately evaluated.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills necessary to plan, conduct and report on mix of laboratory and field projects.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to observe, record accurately and account for geological features in the laboratory and in the field.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills in citation and appropriate use of the literature.

• Use the internet critically as a means of communication and a source of information.
• Evaluate performance.
• Develop skills necessary for self-managed lifelong learning (including independent working, time management).
• Develop an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• A mixture of lectures and practicals will complement providing an holistic approach that is the realistic practise of geologists.
• Guidance on preparation, key and exam skills are provided.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Practical SAQs and revision sessions.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University