GEOL 330 - Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

Sedimentology and stratigraphy are branches of geology that deal with the identification, description, interpretation, and the distribution (both temporal and spatial relationships) of strata. The course begins by considering classic sedimentology (the formation of sedimentary rocks) and then progresses to consider sedimentation in the context of depositional environments. This is followed by examining sedimentation at a larger scale: sedimentation in basins (tectonics, eustasy, and isostasy). The course also covers classic stratigraphy as well as the many other developments (sequence stratigraphy, quantitative biostratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy, and chemostratigraphy) in the field. The field-oriented laboratory spends at least half of the sessions in the field addressing geologic problems. In addition to working on the local geology, the class visits Central Pennsylvania during a four-day trip to examine the Paleozoic history of the Appalachian Basin. Prerequisite: GEOL 112 or permission of instructor. Fall (Alternate years; Offered 2019-2020) (Group II)