Advanced textbook outlining the physical, chemical, and biological properties of sedimentary rocks through petrographic microscopy, geochemical techniques, and field study.

Shales and mudstones are the most poorly understood sedimentary rock type. They comprise approximately two thirds of the stratigraphic column and contain the bulk of recorded earth history. In the future, understanding shales will be crucial for a wide variety of studies. Yet, getting a balanced perspective of research on these fascinating rocks is difficult because it is dispersed over so many subdisciplines. The two volumes of this book present up to date research on a wide range of topics in shale geology, and were assembled with the goal to ease access to this engaging field of research. Chapter introductions were written by experts in their field, and are intended to define the state of the art, to provide access to pertinent literature, and to set the stage for the corresponding research papers. Volume I covers basin-scale analysis, sedimentology and paleontology of shales. Volume II supplements this perspective with detailed treatments of petrography, burial history, petrophysics, geochemistry, and economic aspects of shales. The broad coverage of topics should make this book a valuable source of information for those that want to keep informed about current developments in shale research, and a source of inspiration for those interested to enter this exciting field of study.

Clear writing and analysis of the broad spectrum of processes that produce shale are coupled with well-captioned 150 illustrations, 40 tables, boxed technical details, glossary and appendices. Recounts the step-by-step evolution and stages of shal, enabling readers to master the basics and to dig yet deeper into their origin, practical implications and relationship to earth history. Background information appears in appendices (Clay Mineralogy, Isotopes, Petrology, etc.); technicial details in high-lighted boxes, and definitions of 300+ terms in the Glossary.

Sediments and sedimentary rocks cover 70% of the Earth's surface, and make up a significant portion of the geological record. Understanding the processes (physical, chemical and biological) that lead to formation of sedimentary material is key in disciplines ranging from geology to environmental science to archaeology. But before interpretation must come observation and identification: Stow's Field Guide is a must-have for this distinctly visual process Professor Stow has culled his extensive research experience into a succinct guide designed for students and professionals in geophysics, geochemistry, paleontology, soil sciences, environmental sciences and more. Sections on field techniques and reader-friendly descriptions also make this guide accessible to amateur geologists. * More than 400 color photographs and diagrams * Extensive cross-referencing for ease of use in the field * Examples from more than 30 countries * Focus on economic applications

This comprehensive, one-volume encyclopedia covers the sedimentological aspects of sediments and sedimentary rocks. It features more than 250 entries by some 180 eminent contributors from all over the world, excellent indices, cross references, and extensive bibliographies.

Black shales provides the first comprehensive synthesis of the diverse research regarding the origin of petroleum source rocks. The book offers in-depth reviews from the fields sedimentology, palaeoecology, and geochemistry, and particularly focuses on the influence of palaeo-oxygen levels. Current debates--including the one over the influence of sedimentation rate, productivity, and enhanced preservation on the burial efficiency of organic carbon--receive a lively discussion. In addition, the importance of newly defined concepts of sequence stratigraphy to models of the formation of black shales receives an in-depth treatment for the first time. The book will be of interest to all geologists investigating palaeoenvironments, particularly those engaged in the search for hydrocarbons.