Applied stratigraphy for Erasmus students

The course conducted in English focuses on the theory and application of currently used stratigraphic methods. The biology, essential morphological characteristics, evolution, modes of life and ecology, and stratigraphic ranges of the main groups of macro- and microfossils applied in stratigraphy are discussed. Methods of macro- and microfossil preparation are demonstrated. The course is summarized in group projects solved with the application of diverse stratigraphic data.

The course consists of short lectures coupled with graphic exercises, presentation and recognition of the most important groups of macro- and microfossils, and lab work. It is subdivided into several blocks, including:

1. Lab presentation of the most common industrial methods of field sample preparation for stratigraphy;

2. Introduction to the currently used stratigraphic methods and their links with historical concepts of Earth’s evolution; principles of stratigraphy; differences between geochronology and chronostratigraphy; principles of lithostratigraphy;

3. Biostratigraphy – theory and application; nomenclature of biostratigraphic units; application of biostratigraphy in dating successions; limitations in the application of particular groups of macro- and microfossils and alternative possibilities of their usage (e.g. analysis of the sedimentary environment);

4. Presentation of the most important groups of macrofossils applied in biostratigraphy; correlation of sections based on recognized macrofossils;

5. Microfossils in biostratigraphy – presentation of the most important groups of microfossils applied in biostratigraphy (conodonts, dinoflagellates, acritarchs, spores, foraminifers, nanofossils), presentation of the most important taxa in microscopic samples. Stratigraphic diagnosis of selected groups of microfossils;

6. Introduction to sequence analysis – theory and application; presentation of chronostratigraphic scheme, graphic exercises on seismic sections;

7. Stratigraphic project in teams – correlation of sections based on micro- and macrofossils, coupled with lithological interpretations and gamma-ray data; preparation of project solution;

8. Discussion of project solutions.

Brenner R.L. & McHargue T.R. 1988. Integrative Stratigraphy. Prentice Hall.

Hailwood E.A. & Kidd R.B. (eds) 1993. High Resolution Stratigraphy. The Geological Society Special Publication no. 70. Geological Society, London

Powell A.J. & Riding J.B. (eds) 2005. Recent Developments in Applied Biostratigraphy. The Micropalaeontological Society Special Publications . The Geological Society, London.

Benton M.J. & Harper D.A.T. 2009. Introduction to Paleobiology and the Fossil Record. Wiley-Blackwell.

On completing the course, the student:

- has theoretical and practical knowledge on the rules and application of various stratigraphic methods;

- is able to select and apply a correct stratigraphic method to correlate composite sections;

- knows the main groups of biostratigraphically useful fossils and their geological history;

- has knowledge of safe work in a fossil processing lab;

- has skills to plan and conduct correct processing techniques under the supervision of the lab director,

- can cooperate and work in a group during solving of a stratigraphic project;

- knows specialist vocabulary in English related to stratigraphy.

Obtaining a course credit requires preparation of all tasks and graphic exercises. The course is credited based on the preparation and discussion of team project.

not appplicable