Sequence Stratigraphy and Source-to-Sink

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

The goal of the course is to introduce the students to basic principles in sequence stratigraphy and source-to-sink and show how the principles can be applied to better understand how sedimentary successions are structured in a temporal-spatial perspective and which controls play part in this structure.

Within the course basic concepts, principles and methods in source-to-sink and sequence stratigraphy is presented. Processes and controls on sediment production, transport and deposition are presented and the subdivision of sequences into genetic units and which processes controls the sequence development through time is explained. The principles are illustrated with examples and students will practice the methods in exercises including description and interpretation of cores from the Norwegian Shelf.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student can

  • acquire basic knowledge about concepts and methods in source-to-sink and sequence stratigraphy
  • explain the formation of key discontinuity surfaces and break down sedimentary successions into sequences
  • know the processes behind, and the effects of tectonics, climate, sediment supply and sea-level changes on the routing of sediments from source to sink and the build-up of stratigraphic successions

Skills

The student can

  • describe and analyze a sedimentary succession with focus on interpretation of internal and external controls, sedimentary environments and sequence stratigraphy
  • identify genetically related units and their intervening discontinuity surfaces
  • assess which controls are instrumental for sediment production, transport and deposition as well as the stacking and geometry of sedimentary sequences

General competence

The student can

  • use the above knowledge and skills in practical work tasks related to reservoir characterization and basin fill evaluation for CO2 repositories, aquifers, and petroleum plays

ECTS Credits

10 ECTS

Level of Study

Master

Semester of Instruction

Autumn

Place of Instruction

Bergen, in addition to workshop at Equinor, Sandsli
Required Previous Knowledge
GEOV101, GEOV102, GEOV107 and bachelor in geology or equivalent
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
5ECTS for students also taking AG323/823 (UNIS)
Access to the Course
Access to the course requires admission to a master's programme of study at The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences www.uib.no/matnat/52646/opptak-ved-mn-fakultetet
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching is given as lectures (1-2 hours per week), exercises (1-2 hours per week) and work in core laboratory (4 days).
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Compulsory exercises, compulsory work in core laboratory. Two compulsory exercises (seismic and source-to-sink-exercise) and report from work in core laboratory will be evaluated. These are valid for two subsequent semesters.
Forms of Assessment

Portfolio assessment:

Three compulsory exercises taken during the course will be assessed together with the following weighting: 

Seismic stratigraphy exercise

Source-to-sink exercise

Core workshop report

Grading Scale
The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.
Assessment Semester
Examination both spring semester and autumn semester. In semesters without teaching the written examination will be arranged at the beginning of the semester.
Reading List
The reading list will be available within June 1st for the autumn semester and is valid also for the subsequent spring semester.
Course Evaluation
The course will be evaluated by the students in accordance with the quality assurance system at UiB and the department
Examination Support Material
None
Programme Committee
The Programme Committee is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the study programme and courses.
Course Coordinator
The course coordinator and administrative contact person can be found on Mitt UiB, or you may contact studierettleiar@geo.uib.no
Course Administrator
The Faculty for Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Department of Earth Science has the administrative responsibility for the course and program