GE436 Sedimentology

Contents and structure

The course gives an introduction to sedimentology and to a selection of sedimentological methods. To start with we look into the definition of sedimentology and the motivation for this course. Students will further be introduced to mineralogical composition, classification and the formation of the main classes of sedimentary rocks (mudstone, sandstone, conglomerates, carbonate rocks and evaporates). Transport processes and deposition of sediments and their importance for the creation of sedimentary structures will be emphasized. Conditions for the formation of hydrocarbons in sedimentary rocks will be elaborated. During laboratory exercises, students will be introduced to some of the most commonly used laboratory methods in Quarternary sedimentology and will be trained to describe sedimentary rock samples. In addition, students will contribute to seminars with presentations on aeolian, fluvial, lacustrine as well as shallow and deep marine environments. In the field, students will be trained in description and recognition of the same depositional environments treated theoretically beforehand.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge:

• Students should acquire knowledge of and be able to apply the most commonly used methods in classic sedimentology
• Students should develop an understanding for geological processes responsible for the deposition of sediments and sedimentary rocks
• Students should have knowledge of different types of printed and digital sources and key Norwegian scientific databases

Skills:

• Students should be able to describe and classify sediments and sedimentary rocks
• Based on the composition and sedimentary structures in sedimentary rocks or deposits, students should be able to interpret depositional environments
• Students should be able to reconstruct depositional environments and depositional history of sedimentary rocks or deposits, including large-scale climate change
• Students should be able to sum up field observations through sedimentary logs and sketches in a written field report
• Students should be able to search and find relevant scientific literature in key Norwegian databases

General qualifications:

• Students should be able to describe sediments and sedimentary rocks
• Students should be able to interpret depositional processes and palaeo-environment

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

The course builds on:

GE-406 Introduction to Geology

GE-408 Mineralogy and Petrography

Teaching methods

Lectures, laboratory work, seminar and field practice.

Compulsory learning activities

• Approved exercise reports (4/4)
• Participation and presentation during seminars
• Approved pre-field assignments as well as field practice reports

Assessment

Written exam 4 hours. Grading A-F.

Examination support material

Ruler

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