Objectives:

Upon completion of this unit students should be able to: Classify clastic sediments and sedimentary rocks based on grain size Discuss fluid density, fluid viscosity and their effects on grain transport Distinguish between dynamic viscosity and kinematic viscosity Define laminar and turbulent flow using the Reynolds equation Explain particle entrainment, including relevant forces that act on a particle Use the Hjulstrom curve to distinguish between erosion and deposition for particular grain sizes Give a conceptual explanation of Stoke's law Identify the components of a sand Describe a sand sample, and interpret the source, depositional environment or transport distance.

Reading Assignments:

Lecture 2: Classification of siliciclastic sedimentary rocks- Boggs, 5th edition, pp. 101-123 Lecture 3: Fundamentals of fluid flow- Boggs, 5th edition, pp. 19-27 The second reading assignment is for week 2, and will be due on Wednesday. Reading log

 

Class notes:

Lecture 2 notes Lecture 3 notes

 

Graphics from lectures:

Lecture 2 graphics Lecture 3 graphics

Lab week 2:

In lab this week we will look at sand composition.  I will provide examples of these grains: quartz feldspar gypsum plutonic rock fragments (PRF) volcanic rock fragments (VRF) metamorphic rock fragments (MRF) We will use the dissecting microscopes to look at these grains under high power, and will talk about the features that would help distinguish each of these grains.   Your homework is to describe both sands that were sieved last week (your group and the other group).  These sands are on the back table.  Do a separate writeup for each sand.  Your description should be word processed, double-spaced and spell-checked.  Use technical writing style.   The assignment will be due at the start of next week's lab.   Here are two sample writeups that you can use for practice.  These sand samples are in the lab, and you can look at my descriptions after you practice describing the sand samples: Example #1 sand AQS Example #2 sand PVB   What to include in your lab writeup: Observations   Start with a short paragraph that summarizes the general features of the sand:  average grain size, sorting, and the Wentworth name.  Refer to the table in the text.   Follow the general observations with a detailed analysis of grain composition.  Be concise and accurate!  Use the table to organize your answer.  Longer descriptions are not necessarily better.   The table should have these columns.  Round off estimates to the nearest 10%.   Composition Percent Size range Roundness Color Other                                                               Interpretations Finish with a short paragraph of interpretations about the unknown sand.  Identify interpretations with a heading so they stand apart from your observations.  Can you tell anything about the source for the unknown sand?  What types of material were present in the source area? How far did the grains travel before deposition?  Use textural and compositional maturity to support your answer. Can you identify the agent of deposition?  Support your answer with information about the sorting or texture of the sample. Answer Key Unknown #1 Unknown #2