75558 - Sedimentary Basin Analysis

Learning outcomes

The course focuses on the understanding of sedimentary basins within the framework of plate tectonics and integrates aspects of stratigraphy, sedimentology, geophysics, geodynamics, sedimentary petrology, and low-temperature thermochronology. Specific topics include: lithospheric stretching and flexure, strike-slip tectonics and basin formation, dynamic topography, sediment generation/transport/deposition, diagenesis and petrophysical properties, applications to hydrocarbon prospecting and the evaluation of water resources.

Course contents

• Basin analysis in the energy transition
• Basins in their plate tectonic environment
• The physical state of the lithosphere
• Salt tectonics
• The mechanisms of sedimentary basin formation
  • Extensional basins (Rifting and Passive margins)
  • Compressional basins (Fold and Thrust belts, Foreland Basins)
  • Strike-slip basins
  • Inversion structures
• The sedimentary Basin Fill
  • The sediment routing system
  • Basin Stratigraphy
  • Main depositional environments and processes
  • Subsidence and thermal history
• Introduction to seismic reflection data

Readings/Bibliography

• Power Point and any other material shared during lectures;
• Allen & Allen - Basin Analysis, Blackwell Publishing;
• Scarselli, Adam, Chiarella - Regional Geology and Tectonics: Volume 1: Principles of Geologic Analysis, Elsevier;
• Scientific articles discussed during the course;

Teaching methods

• PowerPoint presentations
• Seminars
• Learning activities may be delivered also in instructed team sessions

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

 

Feld activities may require students to incur costs (e.g., food, lodging, transportation) during a multi-day stay in the study areas. Options will be discussed with the class at the start of the course.

Assessment methods

Oral final examination

The grades in the Italian university system are expressed out of 30. The passing grade is 18/30. In case of full grade (30/30) the Professor(s) may also decide to award honours (lode).

Teaching tools

Lecture rooms equipped with audiovisual resources

Study rooms with wireless internet (Almawifi; Eduroam)

Databases

Seismic profiles

Office hours

See the website of Domenico Chiarella