GEOL 5440 - Ichnology

The study of trace fossils, including tracks, trails, burrows, borings, and nests, in marine and continental environments throughout geologic time. Topics include ichnologic theory, ichnotaxonomy, applications to paleoecologic and taphonomic problems, application to sedimentologic and stratigraphic problems, and application to oil and natural gas exploration.

Requisites:
Credit Hours: 4
Repeat/Retake Information: May not be retaken.
Lecture/Lab Hours: 2.0 lecture, 2.0 laboratory
Grades: Eligible Grades: A-F,WP,WF,WN,FN,AU,I
Learning Outcomes:

Gain an understanding of the paleontologic, sedimentologic, and stratigraphic significance and applications of ichnofossils.
Graduate students will answer three more essay questions on the midterm and final examination. These questions will assess the student ability to synthesis information learned in lecture and lab.
Know the fundamentals principles of ichnology.
Lead the class in discussions of two papers from the primary literature.
Learn how trace fossils alter the porosity and permeability of different rock type and the impact this has on subsurface fluid flow.
Learn to recognize, identify, and interpret key trace fossils using hand samples and core.
Learn to solve geologic problems using trace fossil data including correlation, paleoenvironmental interpretation, and identification of sequence boundaries.
Propose and complete a research topic in ichnology not covered in class. Present the results of this research to the class in a 10 minute presentation and prepare a five-page report.
Propose and complete a research topic in ichnology not covered in class. Present the results of this research to the class in a 15 minute presentation and prepare a ten-page report.
Understand how environmental conditions control trace fossil morphology and assemblages.
Understand how organism type and behavior controls trace fossil morphology.