Biostratigraphy
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
The course provides advanced knowledge on the contribution of Biostratigraphy to modern stratigraphic analyses.
The basic concepts, already touched during some courses of the" Laurea Triennale in Scienze Geologiche" are developed in depth with at least one practical example for every concept. Every discussion of these case studies starts with the illustration of the geological and/or stratigraphical framework. In this way the students will be able to understand the contribution of a professional Biostratigrapher to the solution of geologic problems.
In order to achieve these goals, the course is organized into two parts.
The first part is focused on the biostratigraphic concepts and methods. This part includes: definition of species, kind of speciations, indentifcation of FO/LO, methods to identify FAD and LAD, kind of biozones, direct biostratigraphic correlations, indirect biostratigrahic correlations, with special regard to carbonate platform/basin and marine/continental correlations. The case studied discussed are selected in order to show the properties of the most important fossil groups of biostratigraphic significance.
The second part is focused on the mutual relationships between Biostratigraphy and Chronostratigraphy, first on theoretical basis then on practical examples of calibration of chrostratigraphic scales and selection of GSSPs. Four systems of the International Chronostratigraphic Chart (ICS) are presented: Carboniferous, Permian, Triassic and Jurassic. All the GSSPs defined in the four systems are illustrated, with special emphasis to the historical and geological context.
The basic concepts, already touched during some courses of the" Laurea Triennale in Scienze Geologiche" are developed in depth with at least one practical example for every concept. Every discussion of these case studies starts with the illustration of the geological and/or stratigraphical framework. In this way the students will be able to understand the contribution of a professional Biostratigrapher to the solution of geologic problems.
In order to achieve these goals, the course is organized into two parts.
The first part is focused on the biostratigraphic concepts and methods. This part includes: definition of species, kind of speciations, indentifcation of FO/LO, methods to identify FAD and LAD, kind of biozones, direct biostratigraphic correlations, indirect biostratigrahic correlations, with special regard to carbonate platform/basin and marine/continental correlations. The case studied discussed are selected in order to show the properties of the most important fossil groups of biostratigraphic significance.
The second part is focused on the mutual relationships between Biostratigraphy and Chronostratigraphy, first on theoretical basis then on practical examples of calibration of chrostratigraphic scales and selection of GSSPs. Four systems of the International Chronostratigraphic Chart (ICS) are presented: Carboniferous, Permian, Triassic and Jurassic. All the GSSPs defined in the four systems are illustrated, with special emphasis to the historical and geological context.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding of:
· Analysis of the geological framework, and identification of the problem to be solved
· Selection of the best biostratigraphic tools with respect geological/stratigraphical framework
· Selection of the more appropriate biostratigraphic method
· Evaluation of the results
· Analysis of the geological framework, and identification of the problem to be solved
· Selection of the best biostratigraphic tools with respect geological/stratigraphical framework
· Selection of the more appropriate biostratigraphic method
· Evaluation of the results
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Le lectures will be given in classroom. However, the students are invited to join a Teams group, that will de used to follow the classroom lectures from home. The lectures will not be recorded.
Course syllabus
The course is divided itno two parts.
The first part is devoted to the understanding of the concepts and basic principles of Biostratigraphy, such as definition of species in Paleontology; type of speciation; identification of FO, LO, FAD and LAD; type of biozones with pros and cons; direct and inderect biostratigraphic correlations with platform/basin and marine/continental examples. The most important fossil groups used in Biostratigraphy are presented in the case studies.
The second part of the course is devoted to the support of Biostratigraphy to Chronostratigraphy, starting from the boundary stratotype concept of the definition of the Chronostratigraphic units. The properties of the GSSP are presented, and the formal procedure of definition of the hierarchical units of the ICS Chronostratigraphic chart is illustrated. The biostratigraphic support to chronostratigraphy is illustrated in detail by the examination of the Chronostratigraphic scale of the Carboniferous, Permian and Triassic systems. Special emphasis is devoted to the GSSPs formalized.
The first part is devoted to the understanding of the concepts and basic principles of Biostratigraphy, such as definition of species in Paleontology; type of speciation; identification of FO, LO, FAD and LAD; type of biozones with pros and cons; direct and inderect biostratigraphic correlations with platform/basin and marine/continental examples. The most important fossil groups used in Biostratigraphy are presented in the case studies.
The second part of the course is devoted to the support of Biostratigraphy to Chronostratigraphy, starting from the boundary stratotype concept of the definition of the Chronostratigraphic units. The properties of the GSSP are presented, and the formal procedure of definition of the hierarchical units of the ICS Chronostratigraphic chart is illustrated. The biostratigraphic support to chronostratigraphy is illustrated in detail by the examination of the Chronostratigraphic scale of the Carboniferous, Permian and Triassic systems. Special emphasis is devoted to the GSSPs formalized.
Prerequisites for admission
No formal prerequisites are necessary. However, the student following the course is expected to have a general knowledge of the basic concepts of Paleontology, which are normally given in basic courses on Paleontology during the BS ("laurea triennale"), and a more advanced knowledge of principles and methods of Stratigraphy, that is normally given in courses of MS ("laurea magistrale").
Teaching methods
The course consists of 48 hours of classroom lectures. The lectures are given with the support of Powerpoint presentations.
Teaching Resources
PDF files of the Powerpoint presentations used during the classroom lectures.
PDF and printouts of some scientific papers analysed and commented during lectures.
PDF and printouts of some scientific papers analysed and commented during lectures.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is oral.
The assessment and the final mark are based on the achieved knowledge and understanding of the advenced concepts and methods in the most important principles and applications of Biostratigraphy. The course includes the analysis of some case studies, with special regard to the applications of Biostratigraphy to Chronostratigraphy, therefore the reasoning skills of the students in this context will be assessed.
The assessment and the final mark are based on the achieved knowledge and understanding of the advenced concepts and methods in the most important principles and applications of Biostratigraphy. The course includes the analysis of some case studies, with special regard to the applications of Biostratigraphy to Chronostratigraphy, therefore the reasoning skills of the students in this context will be assessed.
GEO/01 - PALEONTOLOGY AND PALEOECOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Balini Marco
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