Module Identifier EA32230  
Module Title THE TECTONIC AND SEDIMENTARY HISTORY OF SVALBARD (UNIS)  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Professor Neil F Glasser  
Semester Semester 1  
Course delivery Lecture   30 hours  
  Practical   30 hours  
  Other   Fieldwork excursion: 9 days  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam3 Hours  60%
Semester Assessment Field project (2500 word report including completed stratigraphic logs and 15 minute seminar discussion)20%
Semester Assessment Literature review project (15 minute verbal presentation)20%
Supplementary Exam3 Hours  60%
Supplementary Assessment As appropriate, resubmission of failed coursework (field project and / or literature review)40%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Describe the tectonic and sedimentary evolution of Svalbard and the Barents Sea from the Precambrian to the Cenozoic

Describe the major tectonic development of Svalbard and the Barents Sea and changes in their sedimentary environments over time

Discuss important geological concepts such as the formation of sedimentary basins, fold and thrust belts, hydrocarbon formation and sequence stratigraphy

Discuss the environmental implications of mineral resource exploitation, including hydrocarbons, in the Barents Sea area

Content

The geological evolution of Svalbard will be used to illustrate important geological subjects such as the formation of sedimentary basins, fold and thrust belts, hydrocarbon formation and sequence stratigraphy. The module will also give insight into coal mining, the mineral resources of Svalbard, and the hydrocarbon potential of the Barents Sea area. Fieldwork (mostly carried out from a ship) is an important part of the course, during which students will study examples of a large part of Svalbard¿s history and receive training in sedimentological, stratigraphic and structural field techniques.

Brief description

In the Svalbard Archipelago there is a well developed and well exposed stratigraphic record that comprises Precambrian, Late Palaeozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic strata. Based on the extensive research that has been carried out in the area, the module will offer students an understanding of the tectonic and sedimentary evolution of Svalbard and the Barents Sea from the Precambrian to the Cenozoic. Importance is attached to the understanding of the tectonic development and changes in the sedimentary environment over time. Data collected in the field will form the basis of an independent synthesis project to be completed during the term. A literature project presented as a seminar will emphasize aspects of the sedimentology and stratigraphy of Svalbard.

Module Skills

Problem solving On fieldwork  
Research skills On fieldwork, in researching literature review  
Communication On fieldwork, in researching literature review, in exam  
Team work On fieldwork  
Information Technology In researching literature review  

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Nichols, G. (1999) Sedimentology and Stratigraphy Blackwell (Oxford) 0632035781

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6