EA2110 - Sedimentary Geology: Understanding Changes on Earth's Surface

[Offered in even-numbered years]

Credit points:	03
Year:	2008
Student Contribution Band:	Band 2
Administered by:	Discipline of Earth Sciences

This subject addresses the formation of sediments and sedimentary rocks and the processes involved: formation, sedimentary transport, deposition and post-depositional changes. It will also provide an introduction to the fossil record in relation to biosphere evolution through time and to stratigraphy, which is the conceptual framework for evaluation of sedimentary rocks. The course examines a variety of sedimentary environments including fluvial, deltaic, lacustrine, glacial, and ocean. Representative sediments and rocks from these depositional environments will be studied in the laboratory using a range of techniques including microscopic, petrographic and grainsize analysis. This subject provides an important foundation in Earth surface processes and the interpretation of stratigraphic patterns in the sedimentary rock record in terms of past environments for all geoscience and non-geoscience students.

Learning Outcomes

• acquire a basic knowledge and understanding of the origin of sediments, their characteristics and their cycling through geological systems;
• an extensive hands-on application of standard field and laboratory techniques used in the science of sedimentology;
• create a process-oriented conceptual framework for interpretation of geologic features related to sedimentary geology;
• learn the mechanisms of sediment erosion, transport, deposition and alteration in a broad variety of geological environments;
• Acquire the basic knowledge and understanding of the biosphere evolution through time including extinction patterns through time and their interpretation.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments;
• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
• The ability to lead, manage and contribute effectively to teams;
• The ability to speak and write logically, clearly and creatively;
• The ability to calculate, produce, interpret and communicate numerical information;
• The ability to select and use appropriate IT tools;
• The ability to access and employ online technologies effectively;
• The ability to use and interpret different media;
• A coherent and disciplined body of skills, knowledge, values and professional ethics in at least one discipline area;
• A commitment to lifelong learning and intellectual development.

Prerequisites:	EA1110 or EA1002
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	EA2100

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 04-Apr-2008
Coordinator:	Dr Jody Webster
Lecturers:	Dr Haidi Beard, Dr Raphael Wust, Dr Jody Webster.
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures 27 hours practicals
Assessment:	end of semester exam (40%); practicals, quizzes, special projects (60%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.