Sedimentary Systems and Processes

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Understand how to investigate sediment characteristics in the laboratory.
• Understand the chief attributes by which sediments are described and classified.
• Be aware of the main methods by which sedimentary data is gathered in the field, and then analysed in the laboratory.
• Understand the processes by which sediments are eroded, transported and deposited.
• Understand 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.
• Understand basic fluid mechanics relevant to sedimentary processes, and how these interact with sediment to form erosional and depositional features and bedforms.

The course begins with an introduction to fluid - sediment interactions, including erosion, deposition and bedform development. Most of the course is spent considering the full spectrum of sedimentary environments from continental environments to deep-water. We will consider the processes that operate in each environment and the characteristics that enable them to be distinguished in the rock record.

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 fluid-sediment interactions and the characteristics of sedimentary environments from continental sediments to deep water

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.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.