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S260 Geology Block Four - Surface processes
CMA42 completed
Block four was the longest and by far the most interesting block because it covered fossils and sedimentary environments. I enjoyed this block the most as I'm particularly interested in fossils. However, there was a lot to cover, a TMA and CMA to complete, as well as exam revision. As I return to the block for revision I'm understanding more about sedimentary processes.
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Introduction to block four
Observation -> Process -> Environment
Checklist for looking at sedimentary rocks:
Composition - grains / matrix / cement
Texture - crystaline or fragmentary /grain size, sorting, morphology.
Fossils - evidence of body or trace fossils
Sedimentary sructures - layers
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Sedimentary processes
Weathering
physical weathering - rock and mineral fragments
chemical weathering - new minerals and products in solution
Transport
fluid flow
sedement gravity flow
Sediments from solution
biological processes
chemical precipitation
From sediments to rocks
compaction
cementation
classification by grain size
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Introduction to fossils
Body fossil
Trace fossil
Pseudofossil
Fossils have scientific value:
• Biological and environmental reconstruction
• Inference of patterns of evolution
• Dating strata and reconstruction of ancient geography
Interpreting fossils
Homology (inherited similarity)
Analogy (similarity as a result of independent adaptation)
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Fossil classification and palaeobiology
Fossilization
Fossils as clues to past environments
Introduction to sedimentary environments
Sedimentary environments
Block four exam revision
• Read through block four section summaries and objectives.
• Browse Frances' S260 revision site.
• Browse sedimentary processes and digital kit cdroms.
• Get familiar with block four bookmark (allowed in exam)
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URL of this page:[ http://www.larnach.info/S260/four.htm ]
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