NGEA09017U Sedimentary Basins - Evolution, Environments and Resources (1+2)

Volume 2013/2014
Education
MSc Programme in Geology and Geoscience
Content

The aim of the course is to provide an overview of types of sedimentary basins set in a plate-tectonic framework, and to proceed from there in a series of steps to progressively smaller scale and higher degree of details. Throughout there will be a strong emphasis on explorational aspects for resources, such as hydrocarbons and groundwater. The main framework of basin analysis is introduced in the first block (1). The second block (2) is focused on more practical hands-on exercises, where the student work with seismic profiles, well logs and outcrop data from selected basins.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge:

  • Types of sedimentary basins set in a plate-tectonic framework
  • explorational aspects for resources, such as hydrocarbons and groundwater, in sedimentary basins
  • seismic profiles, well logs and outcrop data from selected basins.


Skills:

  • describe the types of sedimentary basins in a plate-tectonic framework, and to proceed from there in a series of steps to progressively smaller scale and higher degrees of detail
  • describe the explorational aspects for hydrocarbons and groundwater
  • apply seismic profiles, well logs and outcrop data from selected basins
  • perform an independent analysis and synthesis of a sedimentary basin through time based on all available seismic, borehole and outcrop data and by applying a wide spectrum of tectonic, stratigraphic and sedimentological methods within a plate tectonic framework
  • make a professional-style oral presentation and write a short, concise report on a selected subject which can be directly used by a wide range of professionals.


Competences:

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:

  • classify sedimentary basins within a plate tectonic framework
  • describe and interpret the basin fill in a stratigraphic-tectonic framework
  • explain the main elements in the analysis of the sedimentary source areas, including geology, provenance, sediment flux and drainage patterns
  • identify, describe and interprete major depositional systems by correlation of outcrops, well logs and seismic profiles using seismic and sequence stratigraphy and seismic geomorphology
  • identify and explain potential occurrences of economically important resources, notably hydrocarbons in the investigated basins
  • undertake a synthesis of the formation, stratigraphical development and resources of a basin based on all available data
  • give an oral presentation of this synthesis and present it in a short, concise report
BSc in Geology and Geoscience or equivalent
The form of teaching and work will be class teaching with active participation of students by means of student presentations, group-work etc.
All students must hand in a written assignment after block 1. The assignment must be approved by the teacher. Students can choose to follow block 1 only by signing up to the course "Sedimentary Basins - Evolution, Environments and Resources (1)" instead and get 7.5 ECTS credits based on the teachers' approval of the written assignment.
Students must have an approved block 1 assignment to continue with the course and participate in the block 2 exam.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Preparation
  • 272
  • Project work
  • 70
  • Theory exercises
  • 70
  • Total
  • 412
Credit
15 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
Oral examination, 30 minutter
Oral examination (written report and curriculum) without preparation time. The examination takes 30 minutes, inclusive grading.
The written assignment is prepared during the course and must be handed in prior to the exam week. The oral exam uses the written assignment as its point of departure. It includes the titles listed in the officially approved reading list.
Aid
Without aids
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
External censorship
Criteria for exam assesment
Please see learning outcome.