An Introduction To Sedimentology

A concise account of all major branches of sedimentary geology, highlighting the connecting links between them. Introduction; Processes of sedimentation; Sedimentary texture; Sedimentary petrology; Hydraulics, sediment transportation and structures of mechanical origin; Sedimentary environments and facies; Tectonics and sedimentation; Stratigraphy and sedimentation; Basin analysis: A synthesis; References; Index.

This fully revised and updated edition introduces the reader to sedimentology and stratigraphic principles, and provides tools for the interpretation of sediments and sedimentary rocks. The processes of formation, transport and deposition of sediment are considered and then applied 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, in order to provide a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of sedimentology and stratigraphy. The text and figures are designed to be accessible to anyone completely new to the subject, and all of the illustrative material is provided in an accompanying CD-ROM. High-resolution versions of these images can also be downloaded from the companion website for this book at: www.wiley.com/go/nicholssedimentology.

"Offering a solid introduction to the principles and applications of sedimentology and stratigraphy, author Richard A. Davis Jr. emphasizes the integration of these two areas and covers both modern and ancient depositional environments using modern examples and excellent illustrations. The Second Edition presents updated technical information, and offers a major reorganization of chapters to promote greater clarity and to place greater emphasis on more current topics. Additional content highlights: provides new approaches to basic analysis, including sequence stratigraphy; integrates genetically related depositional environments that share a common thread in concurrent chapters; discusses topics such as sedimentary processes and structures, the desert system, the fluvial system, the delta system, the barrier island system, reefs and the carbonate platform system, the deep ocean system, and much more." --

Both authors have created this textbook to show students how sedimentary strata serves geologists as a continuous record of Earth's history. The authors' conversational style, and focus on the important concepts make the book highly accessible to an undergraduate audience. Such complex ideas are broken down and made understandable to geology students. Written for a first course in sedimentary geology or sedimentary rocks and stratigraphy (with only an introductory geology/physical geology course as a prerequisite). Each chapter focuses on general principles, without bringing in too much detail too quickly, allowing students to develop a solid base level of understanding core concepts. An accessible title for those covering two principal fields of sedimentary geology—sedimentary petrology (properties of sedimentary rocks, their classification and nomenclature) and stratigraphy (defines and describes natural bodies of rock).

Sedimentary rocks cover most of the Earth's surface, recording much of the Earth's history and containing the fossil record. In this introduction the authors provide a comprehensive, illustrated overview.

Comprehensive textbook on all aspects of sedimentology and stratigraphic principles 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 chapter structure has been revised, such that there are distinct sections on geomorphology and on stratigraphy for each depositional setting. The new edition also features a new set of illustrations 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, with coverage of glacial erosional and depositional landforms Modern desert environments and aeolian deposits in the stratigraphic record Fluvial processes including patterns of tributary and distributary channels at different scales and in different settings 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.