Petrology of Sedimentary Rocks - 2nd Edition








Preface

As indicated in the first edition, this book emphasizes the properties of sedimentary rocks

rather than sedimentary processes. Thus, it focuses on description and discussion of

mineralogic and chemical composition, as well as the textures and sedimentary structures

that characterize sedimentary rocks. Further, it discusses application of insights derived

from study of rock properties to interpretation of their origin, including provenance (sediment

source), depositional environments, and diagenesis. Part I of the book deals with basic

principles related to the origin, classification and occurrence of sedimentary rocks. Part II

describes and discusses the siliciclastic sedimentary rocks such as sandstones. Part III

describes the carbonate sedimentary rocks (e.g. limestones), and Part IV discusses other

chemical sedimentary rocks and carbonaceous sedimentary rocks such as oil shales. The

book is aimed at advanced undergraduate and graduate students; however, professional

geologists may also find the book useful.

Sedimentary petrology is a broad scientific discipline that encompasses study of all

kinds of sedimentary rocks, including those that constitute a relatively small volume

of total sedimentary rocks. These volumetrically minor rock types nonetheless provide

valuable insight into Earth history, and some are economically significant. Thus, the

book gives significant coverage to minor rock types such as cherts, phosphorites and

iron-rich sedimentary rocks, as well as to more abundant sedimentary rocks such as

sandstones, shales and limestones, which make up the bulk of the sedimentary rock

record.



Petrologic study requires application of suitable techniques for field and laboratory

observation and analysis. Several kinds of studies, such as measuring and describing

sedimentary structures, are carried out in the field before specimens are collected for further

analysis. In the laboratory, petrographic microscopy is a venerable, basic tool for studying

the composition and texture of sedimentary rocks; however, it is being supplemented

increasingly by a variety of other tools and techniques (see Chapter 1). Electron microscopy,

cathodoluminescence microscopy, X-radiography, electron probe microanalysis, Fourier

analysis and various kinds of spectroscopic analyses are examples of techniques that

allow further optical, geochemical and physical characterization of sedimentary rocks.

This book discusses applications of many of these techniques and furnishes references to


Download
*