NIGK17019U Sedimentary Deposits: Modern and Ancient

Volume 2019/2020
Education

MSc Programme in Geology-Geoscience 

Content

The course is composed of theory and case studies. The theory part comprises an introduction to tools, principles and concepts used in the classification and description of sedimentary environments and sedimentary deposits. Emphasis is given to clastic terrigenous sedimentary deposits. Sedimentary structures, which have a key role to play in the interpretation of sedimentary processes, are treated. Sedimentary facies, facies analysis and facies models are explained and the concept of facies architecture is introduced. Cases deal with a number of modern sedimentary environments and their deposits including aeolian dunes, beach and beach-ridge systems, and meandering rivers. These case studies are supplemented by cases describing ancient sediments, inlcuding dune and river deposits. Sedimentary deposits and successions are explained in a palaeogeographical, palaeoclimatic, and sequence-stratigraphical context.  Cases selected may change from year to year. Teaching is based on up-to date scientific papers on selected topics.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

A knowledge of important sedimentary structures and their genesis

A knowledge of the concepts of facies analysis

A knowledge of the important sediment types in selected modern sedimentary systems

A knowledge of important facies in selected ancient sedimentary systems

A knowledge of the formation of selected sedimentary systems in relation to climatic factors and sea level  

 

Skills

To critically evaluate scientific literature

To describe and interpret correctly important sedimentary structures

To describe and interpret correctly sedimentary deposits

To place ancient sedimentary deposits (facies) in a correct palaeoenvironmental, and palaeoclimatic context

 

Competences

To read scientific literature on modern and ancient sedimentary facies

To classify sedimentary structures

To identify, describe and interpret sedimentary facies

To write a concise report

Literature

See Absalon.

BSc in Geology-Geoscience or equivalent is recommended.
The form of teaching is theory exercises combined with ad hoc lectures. For the teaching plan, please see Absalon.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Preparation
  • 136
  • Project work
  • 35
  • Theory exercises
  • 35
  • Total
  • 206
Oral
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment, Ongoing
Oral examination, 20 minutes
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. A combined grade is given after the oral exam.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
External censorship
Re-exam
 

Identical to ordinary exam.

The student has the following options:

Is the quality of the written assignment not acceptable, the student can choose to either hand in a new or revised report.

Is the quality of the written assignment acceptable, the student can choose to either hand in a revised report or resubmit the original report from the ordinary exam.

The written assignment must be handed in prior to the re-examination week. The oral exam uses the written assignment as its point of departure. It includes the titles listed in the officially approved reading list.

Criteria for exam assesment

Please see learning outcome.