JEO 262 - Stratigraphy

Course Objectives

1. Understanding of geologic time and its importance for geological mapping, mining
prospecting, hydrocarbon prospecting and exploration, 2) Learning of basic methods of
stratigraphic research, 3) Applications of these methods for sedimentary sequences and
crystalline rocks depending on local geological conditions and purpose of study, 4) Operation
with complicated natural systems.

Course Description

Stratigraphic sequences provide the most comprehensive record of Earth history. The study of
sedimentary rocks is the core of stratigraphy, however metamorphic and igneous bodies cannot
be understood without stratigraphy, and studies of metamorphic and igneous rocks help to
reconstruct the stratigraphic record. Shortly, stratigraphy is the art of converting spatial
relationships of geologic bodies to their temporal relationships. This course is designed to give
an introduction to the methods used in stratigraphy. Its first part deals with the basic aspects of
sedimentation, lithostratigraphic, and biostratigraphic methods. The second part explains
geophysical methods that are used in stratigraphy, applications of stable isotope fluctuations for
stratigraphic research, and geochronology. Different approaches of establishing temporal
relationships of rocks bodies are summarized at the end of the course