Spring 2020 - EASC 201 D100

Stratigraphy and Sedimentation (3)

Class Number: 1262

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Tue, Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 16, 2020
    Thu, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

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

    EASC 210 with a grade of C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the nature, origin and interpretation of stratified earth materials. Principles of lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy and chronostratigraphy, sequence stratigraphy, the facies concept.

COURSE DETAILS:

General:
The course integrates principles of stratigraphy with principles of process sedimentology in order to develop techniques for the description and interpretation of sedimentary facies, prediction of facies architecture, reconstruction of paleogeography and resolution of depositional history.

Course Topics:
1.  Introduction to sedimentology, including: chemical sedimentation, clastic process sedimentology, basis of flow regime theory, identification and interpretation of physical and biogenic sedimentary structures.
2.  The character of facies, including: the facies concept, the use of facies associations, applications of Walther's Law, development of facies models, and the interpretation of depositional environments.
3.  The character of facies associations in depositional settings ranging from terrestrial to deep marine environments.
4.  Introduction to stratigraphy, including: stratigraphic principles, lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, and chronostratigraphy.
5.  Genetic stratigraphy, including: allostratigraphy, genetic stratigraphic sequences, T-R sequences, and sequence stratigraphy, with an emphasis on relative sea level, base level, eustacy vs. tectonics, systems tracts and depositional environments, and reconstruction of depositional history.

Course Organization: Two 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour laboratory class per week.

Grading

  • Laboratory Assignments (Atlas 5%, Graphic Lithologs 10%, Cross-Section 10% 25%
  • Mid-Term Theory Exam 15%
  • Final Laboratory Exam 20%
  • Final Theory Exam 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Boggs, S. Jr. 2012. Principles of Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, Fifth Edition, Prentice Hall, 584p
ISBN: 978-0-321-64318-6

RECOMMENDED READING:

Students may also find Dalrymple, R. and James, N.P., 2010, Facies Models, Geological Association Canada, St. Johns Nfld to be useful as an additional text. A copy of this book will be on 4-hour reserve in the library.

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