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Sedimentary Geology and Hydrogeology (GEOL30003)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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Earth’s sediments record over 4 billion years of environmental evolution and host our modern societies’ water resources. This subject gives a broad introduction to the sedimentary record of Earth’s history as well as groundwater systems in sedimentary aquifers. Topics covered include facies analysis and petrology of carbonate, terrigenous and chemical sediments; techniques used in stratigraphic analysis; sedimentary geochemistry and its applications; post-depositional processes, including diagenesis and weathering, that alter rocks after their formation; chemical interactions between minerals and groundwater in weathered rocks and weathering products; application of sedimentary geology to understanding sediment-hosted resources; characterisation of surface and groundwater systems; rock properties affecting groundwater flow; water balance; groundwater resource assessment; and groundwater supported ecosystems.

Intended learning outcomes

At the completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Explain the history and evolution of the Earth's surface processes and assess the evidence used to develop this history
  • Evaluate and interpret stratigraphy and basin analysis, and their applications
  • Synthesize evidence to explain the atmospheric evolution of the Earth and its effect on sedimentary systems, climate and the evolution of life
  • Describe and interpret modern and ancient sedimentary rocks
  • Describe the processes responsible for sedimentary basin development, including subsidence and uplift mechanisms
  • Apply skills for measuring and describing stratigraphic sections in the field or in the laboratory
  • Describe the principles of groundwater flow
  • Identify the factors controlling groundwater budgets and groundwater resources

Generic skills

On completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:

  • Think critically and conceptualise complex and abstract ideas
  • Effectively manage time and workload
  • Exercise critical judgement
  • Undertake rigorous and independent thinking
  • Adopt a problem-solving approach to new and unfamiliar tasks
  • Prepare and present written presentations
  • Interrogate, synthesise and interpret the published literature

Last updated: 20 November 2024