Now available as a thoroughly revised third edition, Sedimentary structures
assuredly reconfirms its status of as a major textbook in elementary sedimentology.
First published in 1982, it sets out clearly a methodology and philosophy
for understanding present-day sediments and sedimentary rocks as the products
of dynamic processes.
Sedimentary structures introduces depositional and also post-­depositional
sedimentary processes in an easily accessible way and shows how sedimentary
structures across a wide range of scales can be interpreted in terms of
those processes. Sedimentary structures produced by erosion, deposition
and post-depositional change are all clearly explained and related to the
processes that formed them. Hydrodynamic and aerodynamic controls on the
development of sub-aqueous and aeolian bedforms are discussed, as are the
styles of deformation to which sediments can be subjected after depo­sition.
Structures that characterize depo­sition caused by chemical and biologically
influenced processes are explained and illustrated, as are the complex effects
of chemical changes and of animal and plant activity in modifying sediments
after they have been deposited. The book ends with an introduction to the
methods and ­principles of environmental interpretation for which it
provides an invaluable basis.
The third edition represents a major revision of the earlier editions, with
several chapters mostly rewritten. Particular attention has been paid to
recent advances in the understanding of aeolian processes and bedforms and
in the interpretation of trace fossils. The introduction to environmental
interpretation has also been developed to reflect the recent advances in
stratigraphical thinking. Many of the illustrations, both photographs and
line drawings, are new and the reference lists have been thoroughly upated
and rationalized.
Sedimentary structures is designed for undergraduate settings and
will be of use to geology, physical geography and environmental science
students throughout their degree studies. It will also appeal to amateur
geologists who want to gain a basic understanding of sedimentary pro­cesses
and products. The book is characterized by its abundance of fine illustrations
and by its emphasis on a practical, hands-on approach. It remains indispensible
to anyone with a serious interest in the study of sedimentary structures
as not only fascinating features in themselves but also as key indicators
in the reconstruction of past environments.
John Collinson, formerly Professor of Sedimentology at the University of
Bergen, now runs his own geological consultancy company. Nigel Mountney
is Lecturer in Sedimentology at Keele University. David Thompson has now
retired after many years as Senior Lecturer in the School of Education at
Keele University.
Preface, Acknowledgements
The nature of this book; The wider geological context; Sedimentary structures and science; Study techniques
The nature of bedding; The significance of bedding; Study techniques
Introduction; Properties of low-viscosity fluids and flows; Waves; Properties of sediments moved by flows; Erosion; Modes of sediment transport; Sediment gravity flows; Pyroclastic density currents; Study techniques
Introduction; Sole marks; Small-scale structures on modern and ancient upper surfaces; Erosional features in vertical section; Study techniques
Introduction; Structures and lamination; Study techniques
Ripples and cross lamination; Aqueous dunes, sandwaves, bars and cross bedding; Aeolian dunes and cross bedding; Flat beds and parallel lamination; Undulating smooth surfaces and lamination; Hummocky and swaley cross stratification; Massive sand and sandstone beds; Normally graded beds, inverse grading and the Bouma sequence; Study techniques
Introduction; Problems of classification; Morphology and general settings of gravel deposition; Structures and other descriptive features:mode of formation; Processes of formation of mass properties and structures; Uses of structures; Study techniques
Introduction; Chemical precipitation; Precipitation and binding of sediment by organisms; Early cementation; Other bedding phenomena in limestones; Study techniques
Introduction; Physically induced soft-sediment deformation; Chemically induced disturbance; Biogenic sedimentary structures: trace fossils; Study techniques
Introduction; Mapping of modern environments; Measurement of sections in rock sequences; Interpretation of vertical sequences in rocks; Key stratigraphical surfaces; Interpretation of lateral relationships in sedimentary rocks; Study techniques
Appendix 1 Directional data: collection, display, analysis and interpretation;
Appendix 2 Sampling and preserving unconsolidated sediments; Appendix 3
Methods for studying present-day environments; Appendix 4 Techniques for
the study of trace fossils; Appendix 5 Techniques for sedimentary logging;
Appendix 6 Key to common sedimentary lithologies and structures
Bibliography, Index
236×219mm 304pp.
ISBN: 1-903544-19-X PB £24.95
ISBN-13 978-1-903544-19-8
2006
Subject: Earth science: sedimentology
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