Stratigraphy and Paleontology
Objectives
Spatial and temporal organisation of lithic bodies and the events recorded within them; reference systems (stratigraphic scales). History of the Earth and Life.
Knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of stratigraphy and palaeontology. Definition and characterisation of stratigraphic units and their application.
Development of skills in the analysis of stratigraphic records and fossil identification. Preparation and interpretation of stratigraphic columns.
Analysis and interpretation of rock successions, characterisation of their spatial and temporal relationships.
Analysis of facies successions and their interpretation in terms of the evolution of sedimentary environments.
Understanding and handling of the Table of Stratigraphic Divisions.
General characterization
Code
13244
Credits
3.0
Responsible teacher
Paulo Alexandre Rodrigues Roque Legoinha
Hours
Weekly - 3
Total - 40
Teaching language
Português
Prerequisites
Available soon
Bibliography
NICHOLS, G – (1999) Sedimentology & Stratigraphy. Blackwell Publishing, 355 p.
VERA TORRES, J. A. (1994) - Estratigrafia, principios e métodos. Ed. Rueda, Madrid, 806 p.
Teaching method
Theoretical lectures with multimedia support.
- Blended learning using Moodle: powerpoint presentations and bibliography (.pdf; .doc; websites, videos).
- Practical lessons with resolution of exercises concerning stratigraphic concepts, drawing of lithostratigraphic columns from field descriptions, tentative of correlations and interpretation of paleogeographic evolution.
- Field trip: observation and explanation of some pedagogical outcrops where stratigraphical concepts can be shown and aplied.
Evaluation method
Continuous assessment with two tests and two group assignments.
Final grade: average of the scores obtained on the tests (50%) and the assignments (25% + 25%). Achievement with a grade >= 9.5/20.
Attendance: mandatory attendance at two-thirds of classes and submission of assignments.
Students with attendance can take the appeal exam.
Subject matter
Theoretical
1 - Definition and objectives. History. Stratigraphical classification. The dimension "Time"; events succession. Time measurement. Rock Systems and Periods of time. Biostratigraphy. Stratigraphic laws.
2 - Unconformities and types of contact between lithological units. Facies. Walther law. Sequential analysis. Paleogeography. Events stratigraphy.
3 - Lithostratigraphic, biostratigraphic and chronostratigraphic units. Stratotypes. Chronostratigraphic and geochronologic tables.
4 - Paleontology and Stratigraphy. Fossilization; Taxonomy and nomenclature; Paleobiogeography, Paleoecology; important plants and animals in stratigraphy.
5 - Physical and geochemical methods of Stratigraphy.
6 - Sequence stratigraphy. Correlations.
7 - Global synthesis. Geo-history. Pre-Cambrian. Characteristics. Subdivision and boundaries. Paleogeography. Paleozoic. Characteristics. Subdivision and boundaries. Caledonian and Hercynian orogenic cycles. Paleogeography. Paleoclimatology. Mesozoic. Characteristics. Subdivision and boundaries. Alpine orogeny. Paleogeography; Pangea fragmentation; transgressions and regressions related to the Boreal and to the Thetys seas. Paleoclimatology. Cenozoic. Characteristics. Subdivision and boundaries. Follow-up of the Alpine orogenic cycle. Paleogeography. Paleoclimatology.
Practices
8 - Exercises involving concepts of stratigraphy and lithostratigraphic column design, correlation, interpretation of the paleogeographic evolution.
Field trip
9 - Visit of exemplary outcrops for illustration of stratigraphic concepts, and description and drawing of stratigraphic columns.
Programs
Programs where the course is taught: