Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

About this book

Sedimentology and Stratigraphy introduces the reader to the subjects and provides tools for the interpretation of sediments and sedimentary rocks, covering the processes of formation, transport, and deposition of sediment and applying them to develop conceptual models for the full range of sedimentary environments, from deserts to deep seas and reefs to rivers. Different approaches to using stratigraphic principles to date and correlate strata are also considered to provide a comprehensive overview of all aspects of sedimentology and stratigraphy.

The 3rd edition has been thoroughly revised and updated. The book is now divided into five sections, and the chapters on different depositional settings now provide distinct sections on modern processes and sedimentary rocks. The new edition also features a new set of diagrams and photographs in full colour.

Key concepts introduced in Sedimentology and Stratigraphy include:
- The importance of changes in plant and animal life through time and the effects on characteristics of both marine and continental sedimentary environments
- The distinction between modern environments and what is preserved in the sedimentary record
- The role of changing climate, tectonic events and sediment supply in determining the characteristics of deposits in the stratigraphic record

Written by a highly qualified author with abundant experience in the field, Sedimentology and Stratigraphy serves as a highly accessible resource for students of geology and related subjects who seek to understand the formation, characteristics, and importance of sedimentary rocks.

Contents

Preface   xi
Acknowledgements   xiii
About the Companion Website   xv

Part A Sedimentary Materials, Processes and Products   1
1. Introduction to Sedimentology and Stratigraphy   3
2. Clastic Sediments: Gravel, Sand and Mud   9
3. Biogenic, Chemical and Volcanogenic Sediments   35
4. Processes of Transport and Sedimentary Structures   53
5. Field Sedimentology, Facies and Environments   83

Part B Continental Environments   107
6. Continental Environments and Sources of Sediment   109
7. Glacial Environments   127
8. Aeolian Environments   143
9. Rivers and Alluvial Fans   159
10. Lakes   185
11. Volcanic Rocks and Sediments   201

Part C Marine Environments   217
12. The Marine Realm: Morphology and Processes   219
13. Deltas   237
14. Clastic Coasts and Estuaries   259
15. Shallow Sandy Seas   279
16. Shallow Marine Carbonate and Evaporite Environments   295
17. Deep Marine Environments   321

Part D Post-depositional Processes   341
18. Soft Sediment Deformation   343
19. Diagenesis   355

Part E Stratigraphy   377
20. Stratigraphy: Concepts and Lithostratigraphy   379
21. Biostratigraphy   395
22. Dating and Correlation Techniques   411
23. Subsurface Stratigraphy and Sedimentology   425
24. Sequence Stratigraphy and Sea Level Changes   443
25. Sedimentary Basins   475

Further Reading   496
References   497
Index   511

Customer Reviews

Biography

Gary Nichols has taught sedimentology and stratigraphy at universities in the UK and Norway. His research interests in the analysis of facies and sedimentary basins have taken him to every continent, providing experience of a wide range of sedimentary rock types of different ages in a variety of depositional settings. He currently designs training programmes for geoscientists working in the energy industry.