Survey of the geology of the coastal plains of North America. The origin, geologic development, and economic importance of coastal plains of North America with emphasis on problems confronting urbanization of these areas. Geochemistry of petroleum formation, influence of host rock on mineral content of petroleum, petroleum composition, characteristics and stability of petroleum fractions, identification of source fields and petroleum using geochemical methods, and geochemical techniques used in petroleum exploration. The analysis of depositional environments using sedimentological criteria will be discussed with emphasis on the interpretation of flow regime and depositional processes. The use of sedimentologic, and geophysical data in determining the stratigraphic and structural elements of basins.
Emphasis is on a multidisciplinary approach to the geologic history of a sedimentary basin.
The origin and diagenesis of carbonate rocks with emphasis on the changes that carbonate sediments undergo during deposition, burial, and uplift. Some laboratory work on carbonate peels and thin sections is required as well as a term project. Petrology of Sandstones. Applied Clay Mineralogy. The study of clay minerals and colloids and the application of their physical and chemical properties to various geologic, agricultural, and environmental problems.