Sedimentary Petrology

Recommended Prerequisites

Basic knowledhe of geology/mineralogy.

Teaching Methods

Conventional classes with transmission and discussion of concepts.

Practical laboratory work involving macroscopic and microscopic analysis of rocks and minerals.

Practical work centered on the recognition of lithologies in outcrop and interpretation of the sedimentary record.     

Learning Outcomes

1) Understand the criteria and methods of analysis and classification of sedimentary products as well as the reasons that led to its selection

2) Collect, organize and analyze descriptive data of sediments and sedimentary rocks, using the concepts, methodologies and field and laboratory techniques, reaching a standardized classification.

3) Conduct fieldwork and laboratory work in a responsible and safe way, adopting attitudes of analytical rigor;

4) Organize sedimentary data using specific formula and terminology.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

THEORETICAL

1. Introduction

2. Clastic rocks

2.1. Texture

2.2. Sedimentary structures

2.3. Composition

2.4. Textural and compositional classifications

2.5. Associated environments

3. Chemical and biogenic rocks

3.1. Carbonate rocks

3.1.1. Grains and iterstitial phase

3.1.2. Sedimentary structures

3.1.3. Classification (Folk, Dunham and Embry & Klovan)

3.1.4. Associated environments

3.2. Other Sedimentary rocks

4. Diagenesis

PRACTICE

1) Siliciclastic rocks

- Texture (grain-size and roundness)

- Identification and description of clasts, matrix and cement

- Textural and compositional classifications

2) Carbonate rocks

Constituing elements

- Allochems (bioclasts, oids, peloids, intraclasts)

- Extraclasts

- Interstitial material (micrite and sparite)

Classification (Dunham, Folk and Embry & Klovan)

4) Other rocks.

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Laboratory work or Field work: 10.0%
Resolution Problems: 40.0%
Exam: 50.0%

Bibliography

Adams, A. E., MacKenzie, W. S. & Guilford, C. (1984). Atlas of sedimentary rocks under microscope. Longman Scientific & Technical, Harlow, 104 p.

Stow, V. (2009). Sedimentary Rocks in the Field. Manson Publ., London, 320 p.

Tucker, M. E. (1991) Field Description of Sedimentary Rocks. Geological Society of London Professional Handbook Series, John Wiley & Sons Inc., 112p.

Tucker, M. E. (2001) Sedimentary Petrology: An Introduction to the Origin of Sedimentary Rocks. Blackwell Science, 262p.