Lithostratigraphic Analysis of Sedimentary Basins deals with the concepts and methodology of lithostratigraphic analysis used to elucidate various aspects of the geological history of sedimentary layers within a basin. The principles of stratigraphy and sedimentation as well as the influence of tectonism are discussed, along with their relevance to a variety of methods employed in the analysis of sedimentary basins. Comprised of seven chapters, this book begins with a classification of sedimentary basins and an overview of the methods used in their analysis. Certain lithological features, including sedimentary structures, textures, and assemblages of features that are considered to be diagnostic or indicative of particular depositional environments, are discussed, together with their implications for interpretations of the geologic history of a sedimentary basin on the basis of both macrostratigraphic and microstratigraphic criteria. Other lithologic analyses that are mentioned relate to petrophysical properties such as porosity and permeability and to chemical properties such as trace element, organic, and hydrocarbon content. Methods employed in the examination of outcrops and rock samples are also considered. The final chapter describes the application of sedimentary basin analysis to exploration of oil and gas, coal, and minerals, together with potential storage reservoirs for natural gas. This monograph will be of interest to geophysicists, geologists, geophysicists, and engineers.

This book is intended as a practical handbook for those engaged in the task of analyzing the paleogeographic evolution of ancient sedimentary basins. The science of stratigraphy and sedimentology is central to such endeavors, but although several excellent textbooks on sedimentology have appeared in recent years little has been written about modern stratigraphic methods. Sedimentology textbooks tend to take a theoretical approach, building from physical and chemical theory and studies of mod ern environments. It is commonly difficult to apply this information to practical problems in ancient rocks, and very little guidance is given on methods of observation, mapping and interpretation. In this book theory is downplayed and the emphasis is on what a geologist can actually see in outcrops, well records, and cores, and what can be ob tained using geophysical techniques. A new approach is taken to stratigraphy, which attempts to explain the genesis of lithostratigraphic units and to de-emphasize the importance of formal description and nam ing. There are also sections explaining principles of facies analysis, basin mapping methods, depositional systems, and the study of basin thermal history, so important to the genesis of fuels and minerals. Lastly, an at tempt is made to tie everything together by considering basins in the con text of plate tectonics and eustatic sea level changes.

The Sedimentary Basins of the United States and Canada, Second Edition, focuses on the large, regional, sedimentary accumulations in Canada and the United States. Each chapter provides a succinct summary of the tectonic setting and structural and paleogeographic evolution of the basin it covers, with details on structure and stratigraphy. The book features four new chapters that cover the sedimentary basins of Alaska and the Canadian Arctic. In addition to sedimentary geologists, this updated reference is relevant for basin analysis, regional geology, stratigraphy, and for those working in the hydrocarbon exploration industry. - Features updates to existing chapters, along with new chapters on sedimentary basins in Alaska and Arctic Canada - Includes nearly 300 detailed, full-color paleogeographic maps - Written for general geological audiences and individuals working in the resources sector, particularly those in the fossil fuel industry

Basin Analysis is an up-to-date overview of the essential processes of the formation and evolution of sedimentary basins, and their implications for the development of hydrocarbon resources. The new edition features: A consideration of the fundamental physical state of the lithosphere. A discussion on the major types of lithospheric deformation relevant to basin development – stretching and flexure. A new chapter on the effects of mantle dynamics. Radically revised chapters on the basin-fill. A new chapter on the erosional engine for sediment delivery to basins, reflecting the massive and exciting advances in this area in the last decade. Expansion of the techniques used in approaching problems in basin analysis. Updated chapters on subsidence analysis and measurements of thermal maturity of organic and non-organic components of the basin-fill. New material on thermochronological and exposure dating tools. Inclusion of the important petroleum system concept in the updated section on the application to the petroleum play. Visit: www.blackwellpublishing.com/allen for practical exercises related to problems in Basin Analysis 2e. To run the programs you will need a copy of Matlab 6 or 7. An Instructor manual CD-ROM for this title is available. Please contact our Higher Education team at [email protected] for more information.

Review of the second edition "For geologists and geophysicists studying sedimentary fill of basins, this volume is a valuable addition to their shelves. The book is packed with informationincludes numerous lists of references, and is up-to-date. As a source volume, this book is second to none. It is clear and well organized." GEOPHYSICS

Over the past five years there have been many advances in the field of basin analysis. Developments such as the publication of new stratigraphic codes; new research in fission-track dating; evolution of thought regarding the importance of tectonic versus eustatic controls of regional and global cycles; and refinements of geophysically-based, basin-subsidence models have necessitated the publication of a second edition of Principles of Sedimentary Basin Analysis. Like the first edition, this book emphasizes the stratigraphic evidence which geologists can actually see in outcrops, well records, and core samples and can gather using geophysical techniques. Principles of Sedimentary Basin Analysis is both an excellent text for students and a practical handbook for professional geologists.

Sedimentary rocks contain the most important archive of environmental change through earth history. They record changing climates, the movement of plates, and the rise and fall of sea-level on timescales of a few thousand to billions of years. This fully revised and updated edition introduces the reader to sedimentology and stratigraphic principles, and provides tools for the interpretation of sediments and sedimentary rocks. The processes of formation, transport and deposition of sediment are considered and then applied to develop conceptual models for the full range of sedimentary environments, from deserts to deep seas and reefs to rivers. Different approaches to using stratigraphic principles to date and correlate strata are also considered, in order to provide a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of sedimentology and stratigraphy. The text and figures are designed to be accessible to anyone completely new to the subject, and all of the illustrative material is provided in an accompanying CD-ROM. High-resolution versions of these images can also be downloaded from the companion website for this book at: www.wiley.com/go/nicholssedimentology.