GEOL 340 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
Lecture 1
1. Introduction
2. Overview of syllabus and semester schedule
3. What is the origin of a sedimentary rock?
4. Systematic Approach
5. Basic Definitions
Introduction
Professor Fouke's background and research interests
TA's background and research interests
Overview of syllabus, semester schedule and questionaire (handouts)
What is the origin of a sedimentary rock?
The approach to framing fundamental questions in science
Big Picture Goals:
a. reconstruct physical/chemical/biological attributes of ancient
environments
b. detailed earth history as a predictive environmental tool
c. sea level as links to climate, oceanography, evolution, tectonics
d. hydrocarbon and groundwater exploration tools
Systematic Approach
I. Determine the time and space framework of sediment deposition
A. Information Categories
1. sedimentology
2. paleontology
3. stratigraphy
4. diagenesis
B. Tools and Techniques
1. field work
a. mapping and measuring
b. strategic sampling
2. lab work
a. optical and petrographic analyses
b. geochemical characterization
bulk rock
microdrilled microanalyses
in situ microanalyses
c. geomicrobiological analyses
II. Qualitative and Quantitative Reconstructions of Depositional
Environment
A. Physical
1. basin analysis
2. provenance
B. Geochemical (solid and aqueous)
1. water-rock interaction
2. solid and/or aqueous mixing
Basic Definitions
Sedimentology
a. scientific study of the classification and interpretation of
sedimentary rocks
b. analysis of:
physical properties (textures, structures and mineralogy)
chemical properties
biological (fossil) properties
processes by which these properties are generated
c. sediments are derived from:
erosion of pre-existing rock
biotic and/or abiotic chemical precipitation
animal and plant skeletons
Stratigraphy
a. scientific study of the classification, origin and interpretation
of rock layers (strata)
b. analysis of the shapes and geometries, stacking successions,
age relationships and regional to global correlation of strata
Sedimentary Rock Components
a. Primary: original sedimentary components present at time of
deposition
b. Secondary (post-depositional): sedimentary components formed
or introduced after deposition
Diagenesis
any physically, chemically, and/or biologically induced changes
that take place in sediments and sedimentary rocks after their
original deposition
Weathering
the physical and chemical decomposition and disintegration of
rocks, producing particulate residues and dissolved consituents.
These products are the source materials to form soils and sedimentary
rocks
Water-Rock interaction
chemical reactions amongst grains, cements and water in pore spaces