ESC3411

Sediments, basins and resources ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Professor Ray Cas

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: Sediments: will deal with sediments from a global to microscopic scale, examining the main types of clastic and chemical sediments, their provenance and influences on their mode and environment of deposition. Basins: will examine the variety of sedimentary basins, how they develop and fill, and include aspects of seismic interpretation, well logging and subsidence histories. Resources: will study the generation and accumulation of hydrocarbons and the formation of coal deposits.

Objectives: On completion of this unit students will have a knowledge of: the different types of sedimentary basins and how they are filled; the main types of clastic and chemical sediments, how they are derived and the influences on their accumulation; what different sediments look like in natural field outcrops, and how sedimentary features can be used to determine depositional environments and stratigraphic sequences; the basic principles of seismic interpretation and well logging and how different stratigraphic and structural features can be recognised; the principles of hydrocarbon generation, migration and accumulation; environments in which peat accumulates and the formation of coal deposits; preparation of written and oral reports based on field observation, laboratory exercises and personal research.

Assessment: Practical work: 30% + Field work: 20% + Seminar: 10% + Test (3 hours- theory and practical): 40%

Contact Hours: One 2-hour lecture and one 3-hour practical class each week, and one day field excursion

Prerequisites: ESC2111 and ESC2122 or permission of Head of School

Prohibitions: ESC3211, ESC3241