Syllabus
Overview of origins of stratigraphy as a discipline; birth of sequence stratigraphy – theoretical roots and the role of petroleum industry
Basics of sequence stratigraphy: the base level concept, principal parameters of formation and filling of accommodation
Eustasy as a concept and the real thing. Why sequence stratigraphy is not the same as the “Vail curve”
Geometrical concept of a stratigraphic sequence; practical aspects of sequence subdivisions, differences in response to tectonic regimes
Sequence stratigraphy in shallow-water carbonates
Sequence stratigraphy in continental systems
Cyclostratigraphy – concepts and data; is there a direct link to sequence stratigraphy?
Free topics chosen according to the students’ interests
Annotation
The course is aimed at students of bachelor (2nd year) through doctoral stages interested in broadening their knowledge of sedimentary processes and their expression in basin fills. The course builds on the basic Sedimentary Geology class (MG421P14) which is recommended as a prerequisite.
In lectures, experiments, exercises and seminars the course focuses on relationships of sedimentary processes and the resulting stratigraphic record, emphasizing the principles of sequence stratigraphy and its relationships to chemo- and cyclostratigraphy. Sequence stratigraphy is treated as a universal method of study of the geometry of sedimentary bodies and their bounding surfaces, and interpretation of its formative processes and conditions.
Exercises are focused on interpretation of stratigraphic record from borehole lithological and geophysical logs, seismic reflection data, and outcrops. Emphasis is on application of first principles of behaviour of depositional systems, rather than on terminological detail.
Each student is expected to prepare and present at least one presentation based on assigned reading.