EARTH SC/ENVIR SC 3P03

Carbonate Sedimentary Environments

Calendar Description

Carbonate stratigraphy, depositional environments (fossil reefs) and their geological evolution.
Two lectures, one lab (three hours); one term
Prerequisite: One of EARTH SC 2E03, ENVIR SC 2E03, ISCI 2A18

Crosslist: EARTH SC 3P03, ENVIR SC 3P03

Time/Term Offered: Term One Fall 2012-13

Instructor: Dr. E. Reinhardt
Room: General Science Building Rm. 231
Tel:(905) 525.9149 x27594
Email: ereinhar@mcmaster.ca
Office hours: by appointment

Teaching Assistant:

Shawn Collins, GSB 301, x27524, collis2@mcmaster.ca

 

Introduction:

The course will examine carbonate sedimentary environments and their facies, which will include the deep basin to the shallow reefs, ponds and lagoons of the platform. We will examine sea-level control on these systems and how they respond over geological time.  The course will focus on modern processes occurring in Cenozoic reef systems but we will also compare and contrast them with  Paleozoic reefs.  We will spend time studying the geologically important invertebrate taxa and important taphonomic trends.  Knowing the basic ecology (or paleoecology) of reefal organisms is important for understanding how ‘biological growth’ (the carbonate factory) affects sedimentation production - carbonates respond differently to sea-level change than their clastic counterparts which will be demonstrated when we examine sequence stratigraphic concepts.

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT:
1.       Carbonate rock/sediment identification
2.       Carbonate facies / environmental analysis
3.       Fossil identification and interpretation
4.       Stratigraphic logging and interpretation -- facies analysis
5.       Presentation skills

Lecture/Labs:

LECTURES: Mo, Wed 13:30 -14:20 - BSB/343

LABORATORIES: Mo 08:30-11:20 - BSB/345

Required Text Books/Course materials:

Tucker, M.E., Wright, V.P., 1990, Carbonate Sedimentology, Blackwell Science.

Geokits are mandatory for all laboratories and fieldtrips.  They can be purchased ($95) from Alyson Brown (browna22@mcmaster.ca).
Kit includes laboratory and field items for this and future courses.  It also contains safety items and is mandatory for the fieldtrip in this course.  If you do not have the kit, you will not be permitted on the trip.

Please bring your Geo Kit to every lab session.  In addition, bring white paper, pens, pencils, eraser and a metric ruler.

Evaluation:

Laboratories: 5 x 8% = 40%
Midterm: 15% - Multiple Choice (50 mins) (in class Oct 22)
Final Exam: 45% - Bell ringer Lab exam (1 hr) and short answer (1hr)  (in lab period 9:30 AM Nov 26).

Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty consists of misrepresentation by deception or by other fraudulent means and can result in serious consequences, e.g. the grade of zero on an assignment, loss of credit with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: “Grade of F assigned for academic dishonesty”), and/or suspension or expulsion from the university.

The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty:

• Plagiarism, e.g. the submission of work that is not one’s own or for which other credit has been obtained.

• Improper collaboration in group work.

• Copying or using unauthorized aids in tests and examinations.

It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty. For information on the various kinds of academic dishonesty please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy, located at http://www.mcmaster.ca/policy/Students-AcademicStudies/AcademicIntegrity.pdf

The instructor and university reserve the right to modify elements of the course during the term. The university may change the dates and deadlines for any or all courses in extreme circumstances. If either type of modification becomes necessary, reasonable notice and communication with the students will be given with explanation and the opportunity to comment on changes. It is the responsibility of the student to check their McMaster email and course websites weekly during the term and to note any changes.