Integrated tectonics and sedimentology field course

Objectives:
The course aims to give the students a broad understanding of the interaction of tectonics, basin evolution and sedimentation, both generally but also specifically in areas where contractional tectonics dominate. The course also aims to give a good understanding of contractional tectonics as well as source-to-sink concepts in different sedimentary systems.

Content:
The course gives a basic introduction to field geological methods in sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy in an area with excellent exposures. The methods are demonstrated for different tectonic regimes and sedimentary environments. The structural geological part focuses on fold- and thrust structures and strike-faults at small and large scale. Students work in groups with the task to describe and interpret rocks with regards to sedimentary processes, paleo-environment and structural style and history.

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge
The student can

• explain the key anatomic features of a contractional orogen
• construct graphs and diagrams to illustrate and visualize geological data
• discuss the evolution of sedimentary basins
• discuss the interaction of tectonics and sedimentation in sedimentary basins

Skills
The student can

• collect structural and sedimentological data
• summarize observations/data/principles graphically
• recognise and discuss the connection between observations and geological processes
• perform advanced searches for relevant Earth Science literature, as well as cite sources correctly
• keep an accurate and tidy field notebook

General competence
The student can

• use a precise geological language to describe and discuss geological processes and events
• demonstrate the ability to function individually, in cooperation and ethically with others
• acknowledge, evaluate and communicate the role of humans in, and our dependency and impact on, the Earth system