Judson Mead Geologic Field Station

X429s/498s Sequence Stratigraphy, Depositional Facies, and Paleoclimate studies the relationships between depositional facies, sedimentary structures, fossil assemblages, and geochemistry to untangle depositional environment and paleoclimate interpretations.

This course allows students to apply concepts learned in classroom sedimentology/stratigraphy courses to the exceptional Mississippian Madison Group carbonate exposures in the field station area.

 X429s/498s combines examination of rocks that have been previously studied with research observations and data collection of new stratigraphic sections to extend the knowledge stratigraphically and geographically. Each year’s class builds on the work of previous classes and collects samples that will be analyzed for the following year’s students to use. Students construct a detailed measured section and use it as a framework to study sedimentological, geochemical, petrographic, and paleontological data. They use a variety of different data types to identify detailed depositional facies, define sequence stratigraphic boundaries, reconstruct changes in depositional environments, and interpret changes in relative sea-level. The techniques and skills developed in this course provide an integrated understanding of the interplay between tectonics, eustasy, climate, and carbonate sedimentation processes.