Sequence Stratigraphy Field Camp

The Book Cliffs, Utah have become the premier locality globally for field teaching of sequence stratigraphy.  Continuous, well-exposed and easily-accessible outcrops make it possible to analyze facies relationships of stratigraphic sequences in great detail, both in terms of lateral variation (systems tracts) and vertical stacking patterns (parasequences).  Most significant clastic depositional systems are represented, including meandering, braided, and anastomosed fluvial; fluvial- and wave-dominated deltas; transgressive and regressive shorefaces; tidally-dominated estuaries; and “deep-water” mudstones.  This makes the Book Cliffs an excellent classroom to study the interrelationship between eustatic and tectonic development of accommodation space and subsequent filling by clastic sediment.

The Book Cliffs region is often cited as an analog for subsurface exploration, particularly in foreland basins, and sequence stratigraphy has become one of the leading methods for correlating and mapping depositional packages, leading to significant discoveries of petroleum in fields that had been abandoned, as well as new discoveries.  To that end, this course is directly applicable to the exploration, characterization, simulation, and development of petroleum reservoirs.  Because of its impact on fluid migration and the importance of determining migratory paths for mineral-bearing solutions, groundwater flow, and tracing of contaminant migration, sequence stratigraphy is also becoming more widely applied to the fields of mining geology and hydrology.  This course gives participants an opportunity to view sequence stratigraphic features directly in outcrop, giving a better perspective when making similar interpretations based on cores, logs, and seismic sections.

Exercises include measurement of stratigraphic sections, drafting of stratigraphic columns, correlation of columns, creation of regional cross sections, development of detailed outcrop facies maps, logging core, and completion of formal reports and oral presentations.  Exercises become progressively more complex throughout the camp, with a final comprehensive/unifying project.

This course is designed as a capstone experience for junior- and senior-level undergraduate students majoring in geology, who have a basic understanding of depositional systems and stratigraphic principles but desire a stronger working knowledge of sequence stratigraphy through a hands-on field experience.  In addition to enhancing a student’s knowledge of sequence stratigraphy, this camp is designed to help the student develop solid critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills, as well as proper application of the scientific method.