Stratigraphy, Sedimentology, and the Fossil Record
Geo
230
3
credits
Fall 2007
Class meetings: MWF 9.20-10.15am ES 232; Lab M 1.40-3.40pm ES B18
Instructor: W.
Kidd Office hours M 3.40-5.30 or by appointment
ES 315
442-4477
TA’s: J. Gillen (ES339C); Antonios Marsellos (ES 339B)
Office hours TBA
Objectives: This class is one of the core introductory courses for
Earth Science majors/concentrators. It covers the fundamental areas of
the origin and correlation of stratified rocks and sediments; the
processes involved in weathering and erosion, and the landforms
developed, and the production, transport and deposition of sedimentary
materials; the fossil record contained in those deposits and its
significance for establishing a relative geological time scale.
Knowledge and understanding of these areas is essential for all geology
and earth science majors. The course also includes (mainly in labs and
the optional field excursions) an introduction to the regional geology
of the New York-New England area; and (mainly in labs) an introduction
to the construction and interpretation of geological maps.
Course topics: Principles and applications
of Stratigraphy and rock dating
Paleontology; including extinctions and geological time significance
Sedimentology of clastic and carbonate strata
Weathering, soils, and landscape development
Interpretation of geological maps
Regional geology and tectonics of E. New York-W. New England
Reading/study materials: Text recommended: Principles of Stratigraphy, M. Brookfield; and Fossils at a glance, C. Milsom and S. Rigby. Additional material from short texts/articles on Stratigraphy and Earth History, Paleontology, and Sedimentology will be made available in the Department.
Grading: Four exams,
20%
each
80%
Exercises during and/or take home from
labs
20%
Attendance Policy: Class Attendance is required.
Outline for Field Excursions for Stratigraphy GEO 231, 231Z