Learning objectives
At the end of the course the student is expected to be able to:
- subdivide sedimentary sequences into units bounded by synchronous surfaces using all stratigraphic methods (bio-magneto-chemostratigraphic and physical-stratigraphic)
- correlate units with chronostratigraphic meaning within a sedimentary basin
- reconstruct predictive stratigraphic models of time and space distribution of depositional systems
- recognize the cyclical organization of sedimentary sequences and define their tectonic and / or climato-eustatic controlling factors
- perform in a independent way basic basin analysis using surfacel and / or subsurface data
- communicate the results of the exercises through reports (written and / or with multimedia tools)
Prerequisites
basic elements of stratigraphy and sedimentology provided in the courses of Sedimentary Geology and/or of Sedimentology and Stratigraphy of the first level degree in Geological Sciences
Course unit content
This course provides the students with the theory and practice of the advanced stratigraphic analysis (sequence stratigraphy, integrated stratigraphy). These techniques are aimed to reconstruct the geometry and the genetic and physical relationships of sedimentary bodies as a result of tectonic and climate interplay and represent the key elements for the modern basin analysis. The different factors controlling sediment production, routing and accumulation (source to sink) are explored, as well as the stratigraphic architectures of sedimentary basins at different physical and temporal scales. The course also provides basic elements for the application of these techniques to subsurface geology exploration.
The knowledge acquired in this course are fundamental for application to the exploration and exploitation of subsurface resources; they are also a key tool for paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental reconstructions aimed to define the scenarios of global climate and environmental changes.
Basin analysis, factors controlling sedimentation at different physical and time scales, introduction to the exploration of subsurface geology
Full programme
- Review of general stratigraphy concepts
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills
- Origin and use of cyclicity in sedimentary sequences
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills
- Astronomical Cyclostratigraphy
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills
- Magnetostratigraphy
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills
- Physical and sequence stratigraphy: theoretical aspects and application to basin analysis
ID: Knowledge and understanding
ID: Applied knowledge and understanding
- Seismic stratigraphy: theory and interpretation of seismic profiles
ID: Knowledge and understanding skills
ID: Applied knowledge and understanding skills
- Charts and stratigraphic diagrams
ID: Applied knowledge and understanding skills
- Relationships between tectonic and sedimentation at different physical and temporal scales
ID: Knowledge and understanding
- Climate control of sedimentation
ID: Knowledge and understanding
- Examples of applications for the study of sedimentary basins: field work in sedimentary basins of the Mediterranean area
ID: Knowledge and understanding
ID: Applied knowledge and understanding
- Application to subsurface geology (research and characterization of aquifer and hydrocarbon reservoirs)
ID: Knowledge and understanding
ID: Applied knowledge and understanding
Bibliography
Slides, scientific papers and other didactic material made available through the web
suggested text book
Allen & Allen, Basin Analysis
Teaching methods
frontal lesson with multimedia tools, practical application of theory through individual and group class and field work
Assessment methods and criteria
Verification of learning takes place through a final oral exam that includes, in addition to theoretical questions (ID: Knowledge and understanding), the student's illustration and discussion of a report on experiences conducted during Land and an interpretation of underground data interpretation (ID: Applying Knowledge and understanding, Communication Skills)
Other information
Information on the content of the course (see below) are associated with the relative "Dublin Indicators" (DI) that characterize their purposes.
Dublin Indicators:
- Knowledge and understanding;
- Applying knowledge and understanding;
- Making judgements;
- Communication skills;
- Learning skills.
