Applied stratigraphy

The course focuses on currently used stratigraphic methods, introduces their theory and application. 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 fossil preparation are demonstrated. The course is summarized in a stratigraphic project prepared in groups.

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. 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; graphic excercises (2h).

2. Lithostratigraphy – theory and application; correlation of sections; construction of lithostratigraphic scheme (2h).

3. Biostratigraphy – theory and application; nomenclature of biostratigraphic units; limitations in the application of particular groups of macro- and microfossils and alternative possibilities of their usage (e.g. analysis of the sedimentary environment); correlation of sections and recognition of geological events that can be recognized by biostratigraphy (graphic exercise; work with conodont ranges); correlation of sections based on recognized macrofossils (graphic exercise) (6 h).

4. Microfossils in biostratigraphy – presentation of the most important groups of microfossils applied in biostratigraphy (dinoflagellates, acritarchs, spores, foraminifers), presentation of the most important taxa in microscopic samples (6 h).

5. Lab presentation of the most common methods of macro- and microfossil preparation (2 h).

6. Introduction to sequence analysis – theory and application; preparation of chronostratigraphic scheme, graphic exercises on seismic sections (2 h).

7. Stratigraphic project in teams – correlation of sections based on micro- and macrofossils, coupled with gamma-ray data; preparation of project solution (8 h).

8. Discussion of project solutions (2 h).

On completing the course, the student:

- has theoretical and practical knowledge on the rules and application of various stratigraphic methods: lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, chronostratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy, cyclic stratigraphy, event stratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy (P2A_W02) (P2A_U01),

- is able to select and apply a correct method to correlate geological composite sections (P2A_W02),

- knows the main groups of biostratigraphically useful fossils and their geological history (P2A_W06),

- has knowledge of safe work in a fossil processing lab (P2A_W06),

- has skills to plan and conduct correct processing techniques under the supervision of the lab director (P2A_U04),

- can cooperate and work in a group during solving of a stratigraphic project (P2A_K02).

Short lectures, graphic exercises, presentation of macrofossils, work on stratigraphic project – lecture room/lab;

Presentation of microfossils – microscopic lab;

Presentation of fossil processing – rock and chemical labs.

The contents of the course will be evaluated by the preparation and discussion of a stratigraphic project in teams.

not applicable