Spring 2019 - EASC 612 G100

Stratigraphy (3)

Class Number: 5881

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Location: TBA

  • Instructor:

    James Maceachern
    jmaceach@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-5388
    Office: TASC 1 Room 7235

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Stratigraphic concepts of lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, chronostratigraphy and genetic stratigraphy. The course concentrates on genetic stratigraphy, with emphasis on allostratigraphy, genetic stratigraphic sequences and sequence stratigraphy. Students will critically assess each paradigm and its applicability to both the subdivision and the interpretation of the sedimentary record. Relative sea level changes and their effects on deposition will be discussed in relation to the preserved sedimentary record. Students will examine the utility of facies analysis in the various genetic stratigraphic frameworks and the viability of reconstructing the depositional history of sedimentary successions.

COURSE DETAILS:

The course starts with a review of the stratigraphic concepts of lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, and chronostratigraphy. The course concentrates on genetic stratigraphy, with emphasis on allostratigraphy, genetic stratigraphic sequences and sequence stratigraphy.  Aspects of magnetostratigraphy and seismic stratigraphy, particularly in the context of genetic stratigraphy are introduced. Students will critically assess each paradigm and its applicability to both the subdivision and the interpretation of the sedimentary record. Relative sea level changes and their effects on deposition will be discussed in relation to the preserved sedimentary record.  Students will examine the utility of facies analysis in the various genetic stratigraphic frameworks and the viability of reconstructing the depositional history of sedimentary successions. Laboratory assignments will focus on correlation techniques.

Course Topics: 
1.   Introduction to Stratigraphy
2.   Lithostratigraphy; Facies Concepts
3.   Biostratigraphy; Magnetostratigraphy and Graphic Correlation
4.   Chronostratigraphy, Seismic Stratigraphy
5.   Genetic Stratigraphic Frameworks: Allostratigraphy and Sequence Stratigraphy
6.   Subsurface Stratigraphic Techniques

Course Organization:
One 2-hour lecture per week. One 3-hour laboratory per week

Grading

  • Seminar Evaluations 20%
  • Term Paper 30%
  • Lab Assignments 50%

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Brookfield, M.E., 2004. Principles of Stratigraphy, Blackwell Publishing, 340p.   Catuneanu, O., 2006. Principles of Sequence Stratigraphy, Elsevier, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 375pp.

Readings also will be assigned from classical and current journal articles. 
ISBN: 978-0-444-151568-1

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS