Syllabus (GEOLOGY)

Course Type: MAJ-9

Semester: 6

Course Code: BGELMAJ09C

Course Title: Sedimentology

(L-P-Tu): 4-2-0

Credit: 6

Practical/Theory: Combined

Course Objective: Sedimentology imparts a knowledge dome regarding weathering, erosion, deposition and lithification through diagenesis.

Learning Outcome: students learn to track elements dispersion which can be applied to explore minerals hosted in sedimentary rocks.

Theory:

Unit I: Introduction to Sedimentology

1. Outline of sedimentation process: Definition of sediment; origin of sediments: mechanical and chemical sediments; source rock or provenance

Unit II: Granulometry

1. Grain size: concept and size scale, particle size distribution, environmental connotation; particle shape and fabric; Sedimentary textures

Unit III: Basic hydraulics and Sedimentary structures

1. Fluid flow: Types of fluids, Laminar and turbulent flow, subcritical, critical and supercritical flows; particle entrainment, transport and deposition

2. Mass flow: types, mechanisms and controlling factors, process-product relationship, Penecontemporaneous deformation: mechanisms and controlling factors

3. Sedimentary structure: Primary and penecontemporaneous deformation structures

Unit IV: Sedimentary rocks

1. Siliciclastic rocks: Components and classification(s) of conglomerates and sandstones

2. General introduction to Mudrocks, Carbonate rocks; controlling factors of carbonate deposition; components and classifications of limestone; dolomite and dolomitisation

Unit V: Diagenesis

1. Concepts of Diagenesis

2. Stages of diagenesis: Diagenetic changes in siliciclastic and carbonate deposits

Unit VI: Sedimentary environments

Introduction to sedimentary environment: aeolian, glacial, fluvial, near-shore and deep-marine environments.

List of Practicals:

1. Particle size distribution and statistical analysis (Graphical and moment measures)

2. Directional data analysis

3. Study of clastic and non-clastic rocks through hand specimen and petrographic thin sections

Suggested Reference Books:

• Prothero, D. R., & Schwab, F. (2004). Sedimentary geology. Macmillan.

• Tucker, M. E. (2006) Sedimenary Petrology, Blackwell Publishing.

• Collinson, J. D. & Thompson, D. B. (1988) Sedimentary structures, Unwin- Hyman, London.

• Nichols, G. (2009) Sedimentology and Stratigraphy Second Edition. Wiley Blackwell