Module GEOL2031: Sedimentary Environments and Palaeoecology

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL2031: Sedimentary Environments and Palaeoecology

Prerequisites

• GEOL1101 Understanding Earth Sciences

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• Participants will learn to reconstruct past environments by integrating sedimentological and palaeontological data, by:
• understanding the processes involved in the formation and diagenesis of sedimentary rocks;
• appreciating the principles and practice of palaeontology and palaeoecology.
• Hands-on and research-led teaching will train participants to:
• identify and evaluate sedimentary units on scales varying from microscopic to formational;
• using a range of techniques to analyse processes and factors associated with a variety of continental and marine environments, and their influence on sedimentary deposits, living ecosystems and fossil assemblages
• The course will highlight important economic and scientific applications of sedimentology and palaeontology.

Content

• Sedimentary Environments
• Process Sedimentology and sedimentary structures.
• External controls on sedimentary environments.
• Sedimentary basins and deposition.
• Sediment deposition, environments and facies in continental environments.
• Sediment deposition, environments and facies in marine environments.
• Applied sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy.
• Palaeoecology
• Systematics – describing the classifying fossils as species and higher taxonomic groups.
• Taphonomy – processes that control the quality of the fossil record.
• Palaeoecology, and processes that control the spatial distribution of organisms at the present day and in the past.
• Functional morphology – elucidating the function of structures in extinct organisms.
• Ichnology – reconstructing ancient behaviour from trace fossils.

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, classifications and application to problem solving.
• Through research-led learning students will develop a depth of knowledge and research skills in the area of palaeoecology, and of more general applicability. The module particularly emphasizes skills that are relevant to independent research and written communication, with a view to preparing students for future dissertation-style learning opportunities.
• The role of statistical tools in quantitative palaeobiology.
• Knowledge and understanding in palaeontological principles, terms, definitions and classifications.
• Processes that control the quality of the fossil record and depositional environment.
• Applications of sedimentary rocks and fossils in understanding Earth history.

• On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
• Use hand specimens and the petrological microscope to identify minerals and assess the significance of textures and processes of formation in selected suites of sedimentary rocks.
• Plan, conduct and report on laboratory and field projects.
• Understand and use methods in classification: systematic palaeontology, phenetics and cladistics.
• Use quantitative palaeontological and sedimentary data sets.
• Characterise populations and communities of fossils.
• Evaluate and understand data quality from both sedimentary and palaeontological environments.

• Discovery, synthesis and understanding of sedimentary and palaeontological data sets.
• Communication of novel findings to peers and end-users.
• Clear, well-structured written communication.
• Independent critical analysis.
• Adaptable, flexible, innovative and creative approach to work and problem solving.
• Ability to set goals, work to deadlines and accept personal responsibility.

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 practice of geologists.
• Guidance on preparation and key 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