Geology 415/515

Geology 2016 Field Course Library Resources

Geology 415/515, University of Illinois – The Geology of County Clare, Western Eire: Sedimentology, Paleoecology and Evolution of a Sedimentary Basin

Prof. Jim Best

The Spring 2016 Geology 415/515 Field Course focuses on a 2-week field excursion to County Clare, Western Ireland.  Compass Logon


Index

Week 1 (w/b Jan 18th): NO CLASS

Week 2 (w/b Jan 25th; double lecture): Introduction: location, aims, background. Geography, history, and structure of the course. Assessments – types and deadlines. Logistics and group work. Structure of the course. The Carboniferous period. References for weeks 2-3.

Basin evolution in NW Europe in the Carboniferous: past legacies and plate tectonics. Links to North American geology and global controls on sedimentation.

Week 3 (w/b Feb 1st): Basin formation and tectonics in Western Ireland: setting the scene for basin infill. Basin opening, closure and tectonics. Mineralisation and hydrocarbons. References for weeks 2-3.

Week 4 (w/b Feb 8th): The sedimentary history of the Western Irish Carboniferous basin – nomenclature, paleontology and zoning. Sources of sediment and basin paleogeographic reconstructions. Models for basin fill. References for week 4.

Week 5 (w/b Feb 15th): The Carboniferous of Illinois and the mid-west USA: analogies to western Europe. References for week 8.

Week 6 (w/b Feb 22nd; double lecture): Sedimentology: a refresher on rivers and deltas; basinal shales, turbidites and deep-sea sediments. Sedimentology: a refresher on Carboniferous seafloor communities, paleoecology and trace fossils; sequence stratigraphy and controls on sedimentation. Allo cyclic and autocyclic controls. References for week 6.

Week 7 (w/b Feb 29th): Reservoir geology: heterogeneities, scales and outcrop analogues. Uses of analogues and methods of approach.

Week 8 (w/b March 7th): Quaternary geology and glaciation in Ireland and County Clare. References for week 8.

Week 9 (w/b March 14th): NO CLASS – seminar research

SPRING BREAK EASTER no class

Week 10 (w/b March 28th): Group seminars (see seminar page)

Week 11 (w/b April 4th): NO CLASS – seminar research

Week 12 (w/b April 11th): Group seminars (see seminar page)

Week 13 (w/b April 18th): NO CLASS – seminar research

Week 14 (w/b April 25th; double lecture): Group seminars (see seminar page); Logistics: travel dates, times, field work aims and field safety.

Week 15 (w/b May 2nd): NO CLASS

Article Indexes and Databases:

Additional Resources:

Journal and Article Locator
Geology Websites
Glossary of Geology 
Additional Readings


References for Weeks 2-3: Tectonic Setting, Basin Formation and Sea-Level Controls

Cope, J.C.W., Ingham, J.K., and Rawson, P.F., 1992, Atlas of Palaeogeography and Lithofacies: Geological Society of London Memoir 13, 153 p. [Call Number: Q. 550 G294m no.13] [Online]
Crowley, T.J and Baum, S.K., 1991, Estimating Carboniferous sea-level fluctuations from Gondwanan ice extent: Geology, v. 19, n. 10, p. 975-977. [Online]
Gonzalez-Bonorino, G. and Eyles, N., 1995, Inverse relation between ice extent and the late Paleozoic glacial record of Gondwana: Geology, v. 23, n. 11, p. 1015-1018. [Online]
** Maynard, J.R., Hofmann, W., Dunay, R.E., Bentham, P.N., Dean, K.P. and Watson, I., 1997, The Carboniferous of Western Europe: the development of a petroleum system: Petroleum Geoscience, v. 3, p. 97-115. [Online]
Mii, H-S., Grossman, E.L. and Yancey, T.E., 1999, Carboniferous isotope stratigraphies of North America: Implications for Carboniferous paleoceanography and Mississippian glaciation, Geological Society of America Bulletin, v. 111, n. 7, p. 960–973. [Online]
Smith, A.G. & Pickering, K.T., 2003, Oceanic gateways as a critical factor to initiate icehouse Earth: Journal of the Geological Society, London, v. 160, p. 337-340. [Online]
Torsvik, T.H. and Cocks, R.M., 2004, Earth geography from 400 to 250 Ma: a palaeomagnetic, faunal and facies review, Journal of the Geological Society, London, Vol. 161, 2004, pp. 555–572. [Online]
Woodcock, N. and Strachan, R., 2012, Geological History of Britain and Ireland: Oxford, UK, Blackwells. [Online]
Ziegler, P.A., 1990, Geological Atlas of Western and Central Europe, 2nd ed.: The Hague, Shell Internationale Petroleum Maatschappij. [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves 554 Z34G]

References for Week 4: The Sedimentary History of the Western Irish Carboniferous Basin

Collinson, J.D., Martinsen, O., Bakken, B., and Kloster, A., 1991, Early fill of the western Irish Namurian Basin: A complex relationship between turbidites and deltas: Basin Research, v. 3, no. 4, p. 223-242. [Q. 551.35305 BA] [Online]
Davies, S.J. and Elliott, T., 1996, Spectral gamma ray characterization of high resolution sequence stratigraphy: Examples from upper Carboniferous fluvio-deltaic systems, County Clare, Ireland, in Howell, J.A., and Aitken, J.F., eds., High resolution sequence stratigraphy: Innovations and applications: Geological Society of London Special Publication 104, p. 25-35. [Call Number 550 G294s no.104] [Online]
Macdonald, H., Peakall, J., Wignall, P.B.and Best, J. (2011) Sedimentation in deep-sea lobe-elements: implications for the origin of thickening-upward sequences. J. Geol. Soc. London, 168, 319-332. [Online]
Martinsen, O.J., and Collinson, J.D., 2002, The Western Irish Namurian Basin reassessed: A discussion: Basin Research, v. 14, n. 4, p. 523–542. [Online]
Meere, P., MacCarthy, I., Reavy, J., Allen, A. and Higgs, K.(2013) Geology of Ireland, 372 pp., Collins Press, Ireland. 554.15 G2927 Grainger Engineering Library]
Pointon, M.A., Cliff, R..A. and Chew, E.M., (2012) The provenance of Western Irish Namurian Basin sedimentary strata inferred using detrital zircon U–Pb LA-ICP-MS geochronology, Geological Journal, 47, 77–98 [Online]
Posamentier, H.W., and Walker, R.G., eds., 2006, Facies models revisited: SEPM (Society for Sedimentary Geology) Special Publication 84. (Chapters by Bridge, Bhattacharya, Clifton, and Boyd et al.) [Online]
Pulham, A.J., 1989, Controls on internal structure and architecture of sandstone bodies within Upper Carboniferous fluvial-dominated deltas, County Clare, western Ireland, in Whateley, M.K.G., and Pickering, K.T., eds., Deltas: Sites and traps for fossil fuels: Geological Society of London Special Publication 41, p. 179-203. [Online]
Pyles, D.R., Strachan, L.J. and Jennette, D.C. (2014) Lateral juxtapositions of channel and lobe elements in distributive submarine fans:  Three-dimensional outcrop study of the Ross Sandstone and geometric model. Geosphere, 10, 1104-1122. [Online]
Pyles, D.R., Syvitski, J.P.M. and Slatt, R.M. (2011) Defining the concept of stratigraphic grade and applying it to stratal (reservoir) architecture and evolution of the slope-to-basin profile: An outcrop perspective. Mar. Petrol. Geol., 28, 675-697. [Online]
Pyles, D.R., Tomasso, M., and Jennette, D. (2012) Flow processes and sedimentation associated with erosion and filling of sinuous submarine channels. Geology, 40 , 143-146. [Online]
Tanner, D.C., Bense F.A. andErtl, G. (2011) Kinematic retro-modelling of a cross-section through a thrust-and-fold belt: the Western Irish Namrurian Basin. In: Kinematic Evolution and Structural Styles of Fold-and-Thrust Belts, (Eds. J. Poblet and R.J. Lisle), Spec. Publ. Geol. Soc. London., 349, 61-76. [Online]
Wignall, P. B., and Best, J.L., 2000, The western Irish Namurian Basin reassessed: Basin Research, v. 12, n. 1, p. 59-78. [Online]
Wignall, P.B., and Best, J.L., 2002, Reply to comment on ‘The Western Irish Namurian basin reassessed’ by O.J. Martinsen and J.D. Collinson: Basin Research, v. 14, n. 4, p. 531–542. [Online] [Reply on page 531]
Williams, H., and Soek, H.F., 1993. Predicting reservoir sandbody orientation from dipmeter data: The use of sedimentary dip profiles from outcrop studies, in Flint, S.S., and Bryant, I.D., eds., The geological modelling of hydrocarbon reservoirs and outcrop analogues: Special Publication of the International Association of Sedimentologists, v. 15, p. 143-156.  [Online]
Clare Basin Upper Carboniferous Deepwater Sediments

References for Week 6: Sedimentology; A Refresher on Rivers and Deltas, Basinal Shales, Turbidites and Deep-Sea Sediments

Davies, S. J. (2008). The record of Carboniferous sea-level change in low-latitude sedimentary successions from Britain and Ireland during the onset of the late Paleozoic ice age. Geological Society of America Special Papers, 441, 187–204. [Online]
Devera, J. A., Nelson, W. J., & Norby, R. D. (2011). Middle Devonian Series through Mississippian System. In D. R. Kolata & C. Nimz (Eds.), Geology of Illinois (pp. 167–186). [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves 557.3 G2927] Illinois State Geological Survey.
Nelson, W. J., & Jacobson, R. J. (2011). Pennsylvanian Subsystem and Permian System. In D. R. Kolata & C. Nimz (Eds.), Geology of Illinois (pp. 187–205). [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves 557.3 G2927] Illinois State Geological Survey.
Reading, H.G., 1996, Sedimentary environments: Processes, facies, and stratigraphy, 3rd ed.: Cambridge, Mass., Blackwell Science, 688 p. [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves 551.7 SE281996]
Stow, D.A.V., and Mayall, M., 2000, Deep-water sedimentary systems: New models for the 21st century: Marine and Petroleum Geology, v. 17, n. 2, p. 125-135. [Online]
Stow, D.A.V., Hue. A.-Y. and Betrand, P., 2001, Depositional processes of black shales in deep water: Marine and Petroleum Geology, v. 18, n. 4, p.491-498. [Online]

References for Week 6: Sedimentology; A Refresher on Carboniferous Seafloor Communities, Paleoecology and Trace Fossils; Sequence Stratigraphy

Brenchley, P.J., and Harper, D.A.T., 1998, Palaeoecology; Ecosystems, environments and evolution: London; New York, Chapman & Hall, 402 p. [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves 560.45 B75p]
Catuneanu, O., 2002, Sequence stratigraphy of clastic systems: Concepts, merits, and pitfalls: Journal of African Earth Sciences, v. 35, n.1, p. 1-43. [Online]
Davies, S.J. and Elliott, T., 1996, Spectral gamma ray characterization of high resolution sequence stratigraphy: Examples from upper Carboniferous fluvio-deltaic systems, County Clare, Ireland, in Howell, J.A., and Aitken, J.F., eds., High resolution sequence stratigraphy: Innovations and applications: Geological Society of London Special Publication 104, p. 25-35. [Online]
SEPM STRATA – SEPM Stratigraphy Web
Tucker, M.E., and Wright, V.P., 1990,Caronate sedimentology: Oxford; Boston, Blackwell Scientific Publications, 482 p. [Call Number 552.58 T797c] [Online]

Week 7: Reservoir geology: heterogeneities, scales and outcrop analogues. Uses of analogues and methods of approach.

References for Week 8: Quaternary geology and glaciation in Ireland and County Clare.

Hiemstra, J.F., D.J.A. Evans and C. O’Cofaigh, 2007, The role of glacitectonic rafting and comminution in the production of subglacial tills: examples from southwest Ireland and Antarctica, Boreas, 36, 386-399. [Online]
Knight, J., P. Coxon, A.M McCabe and S.G. McCarron, 2004, Pleistocene glaciations in Ireland in Quaternary Glaciations – Extent and Chronology Part I: Europe, J. Ehlers and P.L. Gibbard (eds.), Elsevier, p. 183-191. [Online]
Moles, N.R. and R.T. Moles, 2002, Influence of geology, glacial processes and land use on soil composition and Quaternary landscape evolution in The Burren National Park, Ireland, Catena, 47, 291-321. [Online]
Ó Cofaigh, C., M.W. Telfer, R.M. Bailey, D.J.A. and Evans, 2012, Late Pleistocene chronostratigraphy and ice sheet limits, southern Ireland, Quaternary Science Reviews, 44, 160-179. [Online]

Week 9:No Class – seminar research

Week 10: Group Seminars (see seminar page)

Week 11: NO CLASS – seminar research

Week 12: Group Seminars (see seminar page)

Week 13: NO CLASS – seminar research

Week 14: Group seminars (see seminar page); Logistics; travel dates, times, field work aims and field safety.

Week 15: NO CLASS

Additional Readings

Allen, P.A., 1990, Basin analysis: Principles and Applications: Oxford, Blackwell Scientific Publications. [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves 552.5 AL54B]

Andrew, C.J., Crowe, R.W.A., Finlay,S., Pennell, W.M., and Pyne, J.F., 1986, Geology and genesis of mineral deposits in Ireland: Dublin, Irish Association for Economic Geology. [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves 553.09415 G29]

Besly, B.M., and Kelling, G., eds., 1988, Sedimentation in a synorogenic basin complex; The upper Carboniferous of Northwest Europe: Chapman and Hall/ Blackie, New York/Glasgow and London.  [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves 551.7520948 Se28]

British Geological Survey, 1996, 1:1 500 000 series: Tectonic map of Britain and Ireland and adjacent areas: British Geological Survey. [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves G5741.C551996 .B7]

Charlesworth, J. K., 1953, The geology of Ireland; An introduction: Edinburgh, Oliver and Boyd. [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves 554.15 C38G]

Charlesworth, J. K., 1963, Historical geology of Ireland: Edinburgh, Oliver and Boyd. [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves 554.15 C38H]

Cole, G.A.J., et al., 1924, Handbook of the geology of Ireland: London, T. Murby & Co. [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves 554.15 C67H]

Croker, P.F., and Shannon, P.M., eds., 1995, Petroleum geology of Ireland’s offshore basins: Geological Society [of London] Special Publication 93. [Online]

Davies, G. L. H., 1995, North from the Hook: 150 years of the Geological Survey of Ireland: Dublin, Geological Survey of Ireland. [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves 354.41700855 H434N]

Edwards, K.J. and Warren, W.P., eds., 1985, The Quaternary history of Ireland: London, Academic. [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves 551.7909415 Q28]

Ferm, J.C., and Horne, J.C., 1979, Carboniferous depositional environments in the Appalachian region: Columbia, SC, Dept. of Geology, University of South Carolina. [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves 560.1727 C177]

Gee, D.G., and Stephenson, R.A., 2006, European lithospere dynamics: Geological Society, London, Memoir 32. [Online]

Gillmor, D., ed., 1989, The Irish countryside: Landscape, wildlife, history, people: Totowa, N.J., Barnes & Noble Books. [ Map & Geography 941.5 IR48]

Harris, A.L., and Fettes, D.J., 1988, The Caledonian-Appalacian Orogen: Geological Society, London, Special Publication 38. [Online]

Holland, C.H., ed., 2001, The geology of Ireland, new ed.: Edinburgh, Dunedin Academic. [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves 554.15 G29232001]

Holland, C.H., 2003, The Irish landscape: A scenery to celebrate: Edinburgh, Dunedin Academic. [914.17 H719i]

Klein, G.D., ed., 1994, Pangea; Paleoclimate, tectonics, and sedimentation during accretion, zenith, and breakup of a supercontinent: Geological Sociey of America Special Paper 288. [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves 550 G292s no. 288]

Kleinspehn, K., and Paola, C., eds., 1988, New perspectives in basin analysis: New York, Springer-Verlag. [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves 551.3 N42]

McCabe, M., 2008, Glacial geology and geomorphology; The landscapes of Ireland: Edinburgh, Scotland, Dunedin Academic Press Ltd. [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves 551.3109415 M123g]

Miall, A.D., 1996, The geology of fluvial deposits: Sedimentary facies, basin analysis, and petroleum geology: New York; Berlin, Springer. [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves 551.35 M58G]

Miall, A.D., 2000, Principles of sedimentary basin analysis, 3rd ed.: Berlin; New York: Springer. [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves 551.3 M58p2000]

Naylor, D., 1982, Geology of offshore Ireland and west Britain: London, Graham & Trotman. [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves 551.4611 N232G]

Ordnance Survey (Ireland), 1979, Geological map of Ireland: Based on the work of the Geological Survey, 3rd ed.: Dublin, Ordnance Survey, 1 map, Scale 1:750,000. [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves G5781.C51979 .I7]

Owen, T.R., 1976, The geological evolution of the British Isles (Pergamon International Library of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Social Studies Series), 1st ed.: Oxford; New York, Pergamon Press. [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves 554.2 OW2G]

Potter, P.E., and Pettijohn, F.J., 1977, Paleocurrents and basin analysis, 2nd ed.: Berlin; New York, Springer. [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves 551.35 P85P1977 ]

Pracht, M., 2004, Geology of Galway Bay; A geological description to accompany the bedrock geology 1:100,000 map series, sheet 14, Galway Bay: Dublin, Geological Survey of Ireland. [Online 551.09415 P881g]

Shannon, P.M. Haughton, P.D.W., and Corcoran, D.V., eds., 2001, The petroleum exploration of Ireland’s offshore basins: Geological Society Special Publication 188. 473 p.  [Online]

Veeken, P.C.H., 2007, Seismic stratigraphy, basin analysis and reservoir characterisation (Handbook of geophysical exploration. Seismic exploration, v. 37): Amsterdam, Elsevier.  [Online]

Weimar, P., 2000, Deep-water reservoirs of the world: Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists Foundation; Gulf Coast Section CDROM [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves 622.3382 So13d]

Whittow, J.B., 1974, Geology and scenery in Ireland (Pelican geography and environmental studies series): Harmondsworth; Baltimore, Penguin. [Grainger Engineering Library Reserves 551.409415 W61G]

Wilson, M., Neumann, E.-R., Davies, G.R., Timmerman, M.J., Heeremans, M., and Larsen, B.T., 2004, Permo-Carboniferous magmatism and rifting in Europe: Geological Society, London, Special Publication 223. [Online]

Web Sites

Clare Basin Upper Carboniferous Deepwater Sediments
See also: Deepwater Sequence Stratigraphy
Magnetic Declination Estimated Value Use Zoom Earth to determine the lon/lat.
Foras na Gaeilge’s New English-Irish Dictionary