Assimilation of knowledge through attendance and note taking in lectures (approximately 10 hours), participation in practical class exercises (approximately 20 hours) and fieldwork (approximately 10 hours). Practical work includes the detailed evaluation of both primary geological data collected in the field or from borehole cores and of secondary geological data obtained from previously published information. Practical work also includes the detailed observation, description and interpretation of sedimentary rocks in thin section (using the petrological microscope). Assimilation of knowledge will also take place through directed background reading of the relevant literature and by revision for examinations.

This module aims to provide students with an in depth knowledge of the nature and origin of sedimentary rock sequences formed within a wide variety of ancient sedimentary environments. A systematic approach to sedimentary facies analysis considers the utility of using modern sedimentary models and application of Walther's Law in sequence evaluation and will enable students to identify and interpret with confidence, sequences from a range of clastic and carbonate depositional systems (selected from fluvial, deltaic, aeolian, shoreline, marine shelf and deep sea environments), the key to understanding and monitoring environment- and climate-change through time.

Portfolio of practical work based in the laboratory and in the field including field site evaluations and workshop exercises equivalent to 3500 words [Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6] (100%)

Additional Assessment Details: as this module concentrates on delivering practical based material it is felt to be more appropriate to assess it entirely by coursework.

Formative assessment: opportunities will be available for students to receive formative feedback during workshop sessions and on site evaluation plans.

None

Tucker, M.E. (2001) Sedimentary Petrology: An Introduction to the Origin of Sedimentary Rocks (3rd edition). Blackwell. (Recommended for purchase)
Leeder, M.R. (1999) Sedimentology and Sedimentary Basins. From Turbulence to Tectonics. Blackwell.
Reading, H.G. (1996) Sedimentary Environment. Processes, Facies and Stratigraphy (3rd edition). Blackwell.
Selley, R.C. (1995) Ancient Sedimentary Environments and their Subsurface Diagenesis (4th edition). Chapman and Hall. (Highly Recommended)
Selley, R.C. (2000) Applied Sedimentology (2nd edition). Academic Press. (Highly Recommended)
Tucker, M.E. & Wright, V.P. (1990) Carbonate Sedimentology. Blackwell.

Petrological and binocular microscopes, borehole, hand specimen, peel section and thin section material.

Appropriate geological maps and geological literature (books, journal articles and reprints) as directed, from the library / learning resource centre (including information derived from `on-line? databases on the internet).

Earth Science software available in the Sciences IT suite.