Macalester College Geology Department

Instructor: Ray Rogers
Level: Intermediate
Offered: Every Spring

This course focuses on sedimentary rocks and the stratigraphic record. Topics covered include the origin and classification of sediments and sedimentary rocks (siliciclastic and carbonate), sedimentary structures (physical and biogenic), diagenesis, facies models, and basin analysis. Students are introduced to the principles and practice of stratigraphy. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of ancient sedimentary environments. Three hours lecture and three hours lab per week. Field trips. This course is required for geology majors. Prerequisite: Geology 155 or permission of the instructor.
Major Topics of Study Include:

• Systematic description and classification of sedimentary rocks
• Interpretation of sedimentary environments
• Methods of stratigraphic analysis (lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy,chronostratigraphy)
• Sequence stratigraphy