Geology of sedimentary basins in practice 1300-WM-GBSPP

The course expands the knowledge - the practical skills in partiular - of Master's students regarding analysis of sedimentary basins.
It introduces both traditional and modern research methods, presenting proven data synthesis techniques through the practical use of laboratory equipment and computer software.
In conjunction with other courses covering facies analysis, sedimentology, tectonics, and stratigraphy, this course enables a comprehensive understanding of sedimentary basin analysis.

Course topics:

1. Application of lithofacies code: a) reconstruction of depositional environments and paleogeographic analysis (including spatial and temporal facies variation) based on the analysis of specially prepared samples (identifying sedimentary structures, faunal composition, etc.) and environmental reconstruction using lithofacies codes; b) sedimentological analysis of floodplain profiles from selected rivers in the Polish Lowlands (specifically the Vistula, Bug, and Pilica valleys) using lithofacies codes.

2. Use of magnetic methods: analysis of fine-grained lithofacies from the intermontane Orava Basin using magnetic methods. By analyzing magnetic susceptibility, its anisotropy, and employing statistical methods, it is possible to distinguish geophysical "facies" and interpret depositional environments as well as early diagenetic processes.

3. Application of biostratigraphic methods: The West of Shetland Basin is an extensive sedimentary basin and one of the most important oil and gas production areas on the UK Continental Shelf. It is characterized by a complex geological structure. Students will gain practical familiarity with methods for investigating the basin and will independently attempt to construct a geological cross-section through one of its sub-basins.

4. Application of paleopedological analyses: the development and role of Vertisol-type paleosols in interpreting terrestrial and nearshore sedimentary environments, as well as the use of gamma-ray spectrometry in their interpretation, using Lower Devonian deposits from the Lublin region as a case study. Theoretical sessions cover the diagnostic features of Vertisols and the relevant research methodology. During practical classes, students are provided with comprehensive documentation of core material—including lithological logs, thin-section photomicrographs from soil profiles, SEM analysis results, and gamma-ray spectrometry data—to perform a sedimentological interpretation.

5. Use of integrated sedimentological and facies analyses to understand the depositional architecture of basins controlled by syn-sedimentary tectonics. The ability to correctly interpret the sedimentary record and its relationship to active tectonics is a crucial aspect of sedimentary basin analysis, relevant to both facies distribution and reservoir prediction. The classes will present geological profiles featuring structures associated with syn-sedimentary tectonics (marine and terrestrial deposits). Analyses of structural indicators and facies distribution within a tectonically active basin will be conducted, utilizing data from the Yen Bai basin (Red River fault zone, Vietnam).

6. Application of petrographic, geochemical, and isotopic analyses to determine material provenance and geotectonic history. Based on comprehensive data from deposits in selected Early Paleozoic basins—including the Silurian basin of the Holy Cross Mountains—the region's geotectonic evolution will be reconstructed. This will involve identifying source areas, transport directions, and basin geometry and dimensions, as well as determining the basin's relationship to major geotectonic elements and how these relationships shifted during orogenic processes.