Evolving Concepts and Teaching Approaches In Tectonics and Sedimentation

Abstract

Developments in sedimentary geology within the last decade greatly extend our ability to read tectonic events from the sedimentary record. Informally polled, eleven teacher-researchers of sedimentary tectonics cited five key areas of advance: (1) general basin type and setting in plate tectonic context; (2) tectonic setting as reflected in sandstone composition; (3) refinements in facies analysis in conjunction with basin type and setting; (4) quantitative analysis of subsidence histories of sedimentary basins; and (5) stratigraphic analysis of reflection seismic data. These advances in sedimentary tectonics are woven into graduate courses or seminars in basin analysis at many universities. Classes typically include a review of modern depositional systems analysis and a survey of basin types by tectonic setting. As an example, students at Stanford University are exposed to concepts in tectonics and sedimentation in two modes. A graduate level course entitled “Sedimentary Basins” reviews the broad spectrum...