Sedimentology

As an interdisciplinary subject, sedimentology involves both a traditional descriptive approach from the viewpoint of geology or geomorphology, and a quantitative approach from mathematics, physics and chemistry. One of the main aims of the book is to bridge this cultural gap and to demonstrate clearly the contributions of both sides in an integrative manner. A basic knowledge of geology, physics, chemistry and mathematics is assumed as background, but no understanding of advanced mathematics is needed. The coverage starts with the origin of sediment grains and progresses through fluid flow, sediment transport and deposition to bedforms and sedimentary structures. The principles of facies analysis are then presented before their application to continental, coastal and oceanic sediments. Finally, diagenesis - including organic diagenesis - is discussed and the book ends with a useful account of hydrocarbons.