Units
Sedimentary Geology
Unit code: NQB314
Contact hours: 4 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit provides students with an introduction to sedimentology; both sediments and sedimentary rocks. The unit focuses on the link between the range of features preserved in sedimentary rocks and what those features tell us about sedimentary processes, depositional environments and the burial history of the rocks. The sedimentological processes and depositional environments observed in the modern world are discussed and used as a foundation for interpreting the evidence preserved in the ancient sedimentary rock record, in turn revealing much about earth processes in geologic history.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
The majority of the Earth's surface is covered by sediment or by sedimentary rocks. Sediments are derived from the weathering and erosion of pre-existing rocks, and their transport and deposition are governed by important surficial processes, such as stream flow, wind, and surf. Hence, sedimentary rocks record information about ancient surficial processes, thereby allowing us to interpret Earth history. Additionally, sedimentary rocks host numerous important natural resources, including groundwater, hydrocarbons (petroleum, natural gas, coal), and base metals. Hence, sedimentary geology forms the basis for: (1) the interpretation of ancient sedimentary environments, which is crucial for natural resource exploration; and (2) the understanding of Earth history and global change, which is necessary for environmental management. Therefore, Sedimentary Geology is a fundamental part of any geological or environmental science education.
Aims
The aim of the unit is to provide you with a fundamental working knowledge of sediments, depositional environments, and sedimentary rocks, while emphasizing the key linkages between sedimentary processes (e.g. transport, deposition, lithification) and products (sediments and rocks).
Objectives
1. Identify and interpret sedimentary rocks in the field, hand specimen and thin section.
2. Extract and analyse relevant data from sediments and sedimentary rocks to understand geological processes.
3. Comprehend the fundamental principles of sediment transport, deposition and lithification.
4. Interpret depositional environments from a range of geological data.
5. Integrate geological data with the principles of sedimentary geology to interpret geological history and communicate your findings through written reports to the standard of a professional geologists.
Content
The unit covers the following topics in both theoretical and applied terms:
1. Sediments - source, occurrence, size analysis, texture and composition.
2. Sedimentary rocks - classification, occurrence, information content and interpretation, depositional and diagenetic histories.
3. Depositional environments and facies - recognition, classification, occurrence, spatial relationships.
4. Applications of sedimentary geology - hydrocarbon and mineral exploration and resource assessment, environmental science.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
The unit combines lectures, library research, practical exercises, group projects, and field trips to give you a theoretical knowledge base and much practical experience with sediments, rocks and depositional environments, while guiding you to individually formulate and present geological ideas and concepts.
Lectures: 2 hours per week for 13 weeks - Lectures will combine traditional information content focused on the critical aspects of the unit and discussion and interpretation of geological data.
Practical: 2 hours per week for 13 weeks - Practicals will provide hands-on experience with sediment analysis, analysis and classification of sedimentary rocks using hand samples and microscopy and interpretation of depositional processes and environments.
Field excursions: 1 half day and one or two full Saturday excursion - Field trips will focus on the application of skills in sedimentary geology in the field while teaching you the fundamentals of measuring geologic sections - the primary data set for stratigraphy.
Assessment
Formative AssessmentWritten feedback will be provided on all practical assignments and class and field projects. Weekly feedback on practical assignments will help ensure that you keep up-to-date with your learning. Feedback will also be provided with the two practical exams and the theory midterm exam so that you will know where you stand before final exams.
Assessment name:
Quiz/Test
Description:
Practical examinations relate to material covered in practical classes (4 small in-class tests throughout the semseter, plus end of semester exam).
Relates to objectives:
1 and 2.
Weight:
30%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Ongoing
Assessment name:
Examination (Theory)
Description:
(Summative) - Theory examination.
Relates to objectives:
2, 3, 4 and 5.
Weight:
30%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Exam Period
Assessment name:
Project (applied)
Description:
(a) Class Project on Depositional Environments - 20%.
(b) Field Reports from field trips (group and individual submissions) - 20%.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 4 and 5.
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Ongoing
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Texts:
1. Nichols G (2009) Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, 2nd edition, Wiley-Blackwell. [REQUIRED] (This book is also used for NQB413 in second semester)
2. NQB314 Practical notes will be available as a pdf. [REQUIRED]
Additional references may be assigned in lectures and practicals.
References:
1. Reading HG (1996) Sedimentary Environmental and Facies, 3rd Edition, Springer
2. Walker & James, Facies Models: Response to Sea Level Change, Canada: 192. Geol Assoc
Risk assessment statement
There are no extraordinary risks associated with the unit, but two field excursions will require your particular attention to university safety guidelines. Complete safety information will be provided.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 19-Oct-2012
