Geology 3153: Sedimentary Rocks and Processes.

Instructor: Dr. Dennis R. Kerr, Associate Professor of Geosciences

Welcome.

Please pick up Course Business and Syllabus Handout. Please pick up, fill out and return Student Questionnaire Handout.

1/2/2014

Geology 3153 Part 1.

Part 1. Introduction.
1A. Course Business. 1B. Overview of Sedimentary Rocks.

1C. The Generic Sedimentary Rock.

1D. Sedimentary Rocks and the Geologic Time Scale.

1/2/2014

Geology 3153 Part 1.

Part 1. Introduction.
1A. Course Business.
1B. Overview of Sedimentary Rocks.

1C. The Generic Sedimentary Rock.

1D. Sedimentary Rocks and the Geologic Time Scale.

1/2/2014

Geology 3153 Part 1.

Part 1. Introduction.
1A. Course Business. Review course business handout.

Review course syllabus handout.

1/2/2014

Geology 3153 Part 1.

Part 1. Introduction.
1A. Course Business. How to do well in this course:

keep in mind that this is a Junior-level course;

attend lectures; pay attention; take notes; preview lecture notes; review lecture notes consider working in a study group utilize resources of Student Center for Academic Support; ask questions (in class, during office hours, or by email).

1/2/2014

Geology 3153 Part 1.

Part 1. Introduction.
1A. Course Business.

1B. Overview of Sedimentary Rocks.

1C. The Generic Sedimentary Rock.
1D. Sedimentary Rocks and the Geologic Time Scale.

1/2/2014

Geology 3153 Part 1.

Part 1. Introduction.
1B. Overview of Sedimentary Rocks. Why are sediments and sedimentary rocks of interest?

Natural resources:
energy, water, metal and nonmetal resources Environmental concerns: contaminant plumes, landfills, natural hazards and land use Earths terrestrial and marine deep-time history paleogeography, paleoclimate and paleoceanography record interaction atmosphere, biosphere and geosphere

1/2/2014

Geology 3153 Part 1.

Part 1. Introduction.
1B. Overview of Sedimentary Rocks. Recall from Rock Cycle that sediments and sedimentary rocks form from: pre-existing rocks through weathering and transport particles clastic sedimentary rocks (e.g. sandstone) direct chemical precipitation chemical sedimentary rocks (e.g. gypsum) biologically mediated chemical precipitation biochemical sedimentary rocks (e.g. most limestones)

1/2/2014

Geology 3153 Part 1.

Part 1. Introduction.
1B. Overview of Sedimentary Rocks. The Rock Cycle

Note: linking processes are important.

1/2/2014

Geology 3153 Part 1.

Part 1. Introduction.
1B. Overview of Sedimentary Rocks. What are the over-arching goals for this course?

appreciate the processes responsible for the formation of sediments and sedimentary rocks;
understand the terminology and classification used; introduce topic of stratigraphy; demonstrate practical applications. hence: Sedimentary Rocks and Processes.

1/2/2014

Geology 3153 Part 1.

10

Part 1. Introduction.
1A. Course Business. 1B. Overview of Sedimentary Rocks.

1C. The Generic Sedimentary Rock.

1D. Sedimentary Rocks and the Geologic Time Scale.

1/2/2014

Geology 3153 Part 1.

11

Part 1. Introduction.
1C. The Generic Sedimentary Rock. All sedimentary rocks are made up of one or more fundamental components:

Framework Grains Matrix Grains

capable of supporting lithostatic load generally not capable of supporting lithostatic load (i.e. collapse quickly with burial) minerals or mineralloids precipitated in rock voids rock voids including fluids contained therein

Cements

Pores

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Geology 3153 Part 1.

12

Part 1. Introduction.
1C. The Generic Sedimentary Rock. A view through a microscope.

Framework Grain Matrix Grains Cement

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Geology 3153 Part 1.

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Part 1. Introduction.
1C. The Generic Sedimentary Rock. Sedimentary Rock Sandstones Mudrocks Limestones Gyprocks Framework abundant rare common common Matrix rare abundant abundant rare Cement common rare common common Pore common rare common rare

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Geology 3153 Part 1.

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Part 1. Introduction.
1A. Course Business. 1B. Overview of Sedimentary Rocks.

1C. The Generic Sedimentary Rock.

1D. Sedimentary Rocks and the Geologic Time Scale.

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Geology 3153 Part 1.

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Part 1. Introduction.
1D. Sedimentary Rocks and the Geologic Time Scale. Key points:

hierarchical organization
distinction made between geologic time intervals rocks representing geologic time interval boundaries established by radiometric age dates Ma = milliannum major Earth events
1/2/2014 Geology 3153 Part 1. 16