Principles of Sedimentology

Abstract

This book has been written in response to the rapid expansion and diversification of sedimentology during the last 30 years. We believe that a critical synthesis of this field is a matter of importance and urgency. The study of sedimentology involves a dynamic interplay with many of the other branches of geology. Its tools range from those used to measure the submicroscopic to ones involving the use of radar, the reflection seismograph, and Earth satellites. In the introduction of Part I we define the wide scope of sedimentology, as we see it, a scope which may be broader than that of some of our colleagues. Actually sedimentology is such an unfamiliar term to some geologists that it has not yet become a heading in the index section of the Bibliography and Index of Geology. This book is intended to be used as a text in undergraduate and graduate courses of sedimentology. In writing this book we have aimed primarily at junior and senior students. Our style of writing in the early chapters is consistent with lower-level undergraduate courses, but we believe that as the student advances he or she progressively should become accustomed to a more professional style. Therefore, the later chapters are written at a professional level. To those who simply scan the book, this lack of uniformity may seem perplexing, but it is deliberate and has the student in mind. Beginning graduate students in sedimentology will also find this text useful. Chapters 8 to 14, especially Chapters 8, 10, 11, and 12, are central to the professional geologist employed in oil and gas exploration or exploitation, and in the study of groundwater or economic geology either in industry or government. Chapter 9 may be of interest to geologists concerned with environment.