Comparative Sedimentology

Recommended Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of sedimentology and stratigraphy. The students must be familiar with the basic pronciples of Geology, with the exogenic processes and their role in shaping the Earth.

Teaching Methods

The course will consist of a mix of theoretical classes and practical training. The former mode will deal with the explanation of concepts and methods involved in the analysis of sedimentary environments, their processes and this variability in the Solar Systems. The latter mode will consists of a practical approach where the students will be able to learn through experiencing the work on real cases both in lab and the field.

Learning Outcomes

The course will provide the capability of observing, describing and interpreting the different sedimentary environments in the Satellites and Planets where the presence of an atmosphere allows surface exogenic processes. The Solar System exhibits a huge variability in terms external processes and the student will be able to understand the variables controlling the sedimentation patterns. The acquired knowledge will provide the student with scientific capabilities, but will contribute to play a role in the planning of planetary surface missions and in controlling surface operations.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

The course will deal with the following items: Processes of sedimentation: clastic, chemical, biochemical on Earth, Mars and Titan. Process of sedimentation in other planetary bodies

Sedimentary environments on Earth, Mars and Titan with special attention to continental (alluvial, lacustrine), coastal and deltaic settings. Sedimentary rocks and the rock record in different planetary bodies: the realms of subsidence, basins and the source to sink approach in absence of plate tectonics. The search for life and paleo-life on Mars.Landing sites of robotic missions. Human and robotic operation on Mars and Moon.

Mechanical sedimentary processes, sedimentary environments: aeolian, fluvial, glacial, coastal, deltaic. Biological-induced sedimentation. 

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Laboratory work or Field work: 10.0%
Mini Tests: 20.0%
Resolution Problems: 70.0%

Bibliography

 Readings H.G.,1996, Sedimentary Environments, 668 pp. Blackwell

James N.P. and Dalrymple R.W., Facies Models 4, 453 pp., GeologicalAssociation of Canada

Svereal papers provided during the teaching