This handy pocket-sized guide shows how to achieve successful fieldwork on sedimentary rocks, paying particular detail to the precision and accuracy of recording detail. Various sedimentary rock-types, textures and all the basic field techniques required are clearly described. Thoroughly revised to incorporate up-to-date information, this 3rd edition will be of use to all students and professionals with a geological background. Features include: New sections on safety in the field, the use of GPS in sedimentary studies, core description, fossils as depth indicators and facies models. Improved illustrations and a new updated layout.

Table of Contents

Preface.Acknowledgement.1 Introduction.Tools of the Trade.Other Tools for the Field.Use of GPS in Sedimentary Studies.Safety in the Field and General Guidance for Fieldwork.2 Field Techniques.What to Look for.The Approach.Field Notes.Graphic Logs.The Logging of Cores.Lithofacies Codes.Collecting Specimens.Presentation of Results.The Way-Up of Sedimentary Strata.Stratigraphic Practice.3 Sedimentary Rock Types.Principal Lithological GroupsSandstones.Conglomerates and Breccias.Mudrocks.Limestones.Evaporites.Ironstones.Cherts.Sedimentary Phosphate Deposits (Phosphorites).Organic-Rich Deposits.Volcaniclastic Deposits.4 Sedimentary Rock Texture.Introduction.Sediment Grain Size and Sorting.Grain Morphology.Sediment Fabric.Textural Maturity.Texture of Conglomerates and Breccias.Induration and Degree of Weathering.Colour of Sedimentary Rocks.5 Sedimentary Structures and Geometry of Sedimentary Deposits.Introduction.Erosional Structures.Depositional Structures.Depositional Structures of Limestones (Including Dolomites).Post-Depositional Sedimentary Structures.Biogenic Sedimentary Structures.Geometry of Sedimentary Deposits and Lateral Facies Changes.6 Fossils in the Field.Introduction.Fossil Distribution and Preservation.Fossil Associations and Diversity.Skeletal Diagenesis.7 Palaeocurrent Analysis.Introduction.Palaeocurrent Measurements.Structures for Palaeocurrent Measurement.Presentation of Results and Calculation of Vector Means.Interpretation of the Palaeocurrent Pattern.8 What Next? Facies Analysis, Cycles and Sequences.Introduction.Facies Analysis.Facies Models and Depositional Environments.Cycle Stratigraphy and Sequence Stratigraphy.References and Further Reading.Index.

Reviews

"...The basic field techniques required are clearly described, with tables, illustrations and photos..." ( DEW Journal, Vol.14, No.1, November 2004) "...a practical guide...appropriate and well-designed..." (Geological Magazine, 2005; Vol.142 (2))