ENV 3005 - COASTAL SEDIMENTOLOGY & STRATIGRAPHY

credits: 4.0
Covers the weathering, erosion, transport, and deposition of siliciclastic sediments in modern and ancient depositional systems. Sedimentological analysis and fieldwork will make up much of the course. Students will collect sedimentological data along and in the finger lakes and observe and interpret classic sedimentary rock sequences (stratigraphy). We are ideally positioned between many exposed rock sequences (PA fold belt) and a modern coastal depositional system (Finger Lakes). We will connect the theoretical to the physical by covering facies patterns and then observing them in the local geology. Detailed sedimentological analysis will be performed on a series of sediment cores with the potential to publish the work in a peer-reviewed journal collaboratively with students as co-authors. Objectives: A) Collect sedimentological data in the field; B) Identify facies and unit boundaries in sediment cores and stratigraphic section; C) Interpret ancient depositional system from field data; D) Interpret depositional history from existing stratigraphic sections in the field; E) Analyze your interpretations using acquired field data; F) Compare your interpretations to published geologic interpretations; G) Defend your interpretations in a presentation to the class; H) Evaluate your peers stratigraphic interpretations. Method of Instruction: A combination of lectures, small/large group discussions, lab activities will be used as the methods of instruction. Method of Evaluation: Exams 350 pts, Participation 150 pts, Project & Laboratory Work 500 pts.  The course has a total of 1000 points, and final grades will be determined based on the total number of points accumulated according to the distribution below. Participation includes attendance, in-class discussion, and laboratory collaboration. Those students who are in class and engage with their classmates and the instructor with questions, class discussions, or group work will receive full credit for participation. Lab Fee: $125.00

Prerequisite(s): ENV 2050