SDG Detail

GEOS2130 - Marine Sediments: Records of Past Earth

None

Project description

This unit builds the skills necessary to understand geological processes in modern and ancient marine environments. With a focus on marine sedimentology, we will examine the formation, accumulation, alteration, and preservation of sediments in the geological record. We will cover the basics of fluid flow and sediment transport, sedimentary textures and structures, and illustrate the connections between modern landforms and ancient rocks/depositional environments. This unit will focus on the reconstruction and interpretation of ancient palaeo-environments based on the analysis of sedimentary structures, stratigraphy, and fossils. The unit will include practical components as well as a fieldtrip to the New South Wales south coast

Year 2022

Location Australia

Organization Macquarie University

Project aims

Project outcome

1. Identify the common types of sedimentary rocks, sedimentary structures, stratigraphic features, and use these to infer depositional environments 2. Deduce the depositional history from a stratigraphic sequence 3. Utilise specialised software and tools to interrogate samples or data sets to formulate internally consistent answers to scientific questions 4. Demonstrate the ability to observe and record information in the field in order to later report on field trip results 5. Examine and interpret the interactions between climate, circulation, tectonics, weathering, and sedimentary environments 6. Effectively and professionally communicate scientific information to experts and non-experts