James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2020

EA2110 - Introduction to Sedimentology

Subject Description

This subject addresses the formation of sediments and sedimentary rocks and the processes involved in sedimentary transport, deposition and post- depositional changes. The subject takes a process and product approach and examines a wide variety of terrestrial and marine sedimentary environments, both modern and ancient. Students will be exposed to representative sediments and rocks from these depositional environments as well as a wide range of field and laboratory techniques for their analysis and interpretation. This subject provides and important foundation in Earth surface processes and the sedimentary rock record for all earth science and non-earth science students.

Learning Outcomes

• acquire a basic knowledge and understanding of the origin of sediments, their characteristics and their cycling through geological systems
• 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
• an extensive hands-on application of standard field and laboratory techniques used in the science of sedimentology and stratigraphy

Subject Assessment

• Invigilated > Quizzes or tests - (10%)
• Practicals & Field Reports - (50%)
• Invigilated > End of semester exam - (40%)

Note that 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.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  EA2100

Availabilities