Sedimentary Systems and Processes

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Understand the fundamentals of fluid mechanics relevant to sedimentary processes, and how these interact with sediment to form erosional and depositional features and bedforms.
• Laboratory investigation of sediment characteristics.
• Be aware of the main methods by which sedimentary data is gathered in the field (on land and at sea), and then analysed in the laboratory.
• Field recognition of sediments and sedimentary rocks, and the ability to make logical deductions about the origin and depositional environment of a suite of sediments based on their various characteristics.
• Be able to make logical deductions about the origin and depositional environment of a suite of sediments based on their various characteristics.
• Awareness of the main methods by which sedimentary data is gathered in the field (on land and at sea), and subsequently analysed in the laboratory.
• Be conversant with the principle environments in which sediments are deposited and be able to identify these in the geological record on the basis of their distinguishing features.
• Be conversant with the chief attributes by which sediments are described and classified.
• Understand the processes by which sediments are eroded, transported and deposited.

The first part of the course considers the fluid dynamics of sedimentary systems. Fluid - sediment interaction, including erosion, deposition and bedform development will be explained. In the second part of the course the full spectrum of sedimentary environments will be discussed - from continental to deep-water - the processes that operate and the facies by which they can be distinguished. This includes alluvial-fluvial systems, beaches and estuaries, tides and waves, deltaic systems and continental shelves, carbonate systems and deep ocean systems.

The practical component and field excursion examine modern processes and sediments as well as ancient sedimentary rocks.

Teaching and learning methods

Formal lectures (24 x forty-five minutes): will provide an introduction to sedimentary particles, their origin and properties, and the spectrum of marine environments from continental to deep-water processes.

Laboratory Classes: will investigate sediment characteristics and analytical methods.

Fieldwork: will develop teamworking and analytical skills by recognition of sediments and sedimentary rocks.

A wide range of support is available for those students who have further or specific learning and teaching needs.

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Gary Nichols. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.