GEOS 4540 - Sedimentation-Stratigraphy

(4 credits)

Prerequisites: GEOS 2000 or permission of instructor.

Studies the origin, classification, and interpretation of sediments and modern sedimentary environments during the first part of the semester and the recognition of these environments in the geologic record through stratigraphic analysis in the second part of the semester. The latter includes principles of correlation, stratigraphic paleontology, compilation of stratigraphic maps, and interpretation of the geologic column. Three lecture, two laboratory sessions per week.

Honors students will be expected to choose a rock section in the region and measure and describe it in detail. The choice of section must be mutually agreed upon by the student and the instructor. The student will submit a detailed description and stratigraphic column of the section as a final report. The student may also choose to carry out a sedimentary analysis on an exposed rock section, a stream deposit, or soil horizon to be mutually agreed upon by the instructor and the student. Analyses will include petrographic description of sediments and grain size analysis of representative sediment/soil samples all to be presented in an end-of-semester report.

View the Fall 2024 Schedule of Classes

View the Spring 2025 Schedule of Classes