ESC2081

Sedimentation, stratigraphy and biostratigraphy

Professors Ray Cas and Patricia Vickers-Rich

4 points - 4 hours per week - First semester - Clayton - Prohibition: ESC2011

Objectives On the completion of this subject students will be able to characterise sedimentary processes and their products in marine and terrestrial environments; review the interpretation of past depositional environments; describe the relationships between depositional environments and tectonic processes.

Synopsis This subject deals with the characterisation of sedimentary processes and their products in present day marine and terrestrial environments. Interpretation of past depositional environments from the textures, structures, and mineralogy of sedimentary rocks. Relationships between depositional environments and tectonic processes. Consideration of large scale stratigraphic relationships and changes in sediment types through time. A review of fossil groups important in drawing biostratigraphic and palaeoecological inferences. Emphasis is given to Pre-Cambrian and Palaeozoic faunas, especially stromatolites, trace fossils, graptolites and brachiopods.

Assessment Examinations (2 hours): 65% - Practical work/fieldwork: 35%

Prescribed texts

Boggs S Principles of sedimentology and stratigraphy Prentice-Hall, 1995
Clarkson E N Invertebrate palaeontology and evolution 3rd edn, Chapman's Hall, 1993

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