EASC 215:Stratigraphy and Sedimentation

The course is divided up into three parts. The first part deals with the basic aspects of sedimentation and the formation of sedimentary rocks. This will provide the framework to interpret the processes of sedimentation responsible for forming different types of sedimentary rocks. The second part will look at the dominant types of environments where sediments are deposited to furnish the actualistic background to interpret ancient environments. The third part entails synthesizing sedimentologic and stratigraphic data to permit interpretations of Earth history.

Course outline: Sedimentary processes, environments and facies; properties and classification of sediments and sedimentary rocks; sedimentary textures and structures; stratigraphic nomenclature and the stratigraphic column; principles of stratigraphy. Laboratory work emphasizes the description and analysis of sedimentary rock bodies.