This book addresses both qualitative and quantitative aspects of basin analysis, including topics such as various flux rates, diagenesis, and fluid flow, in the context of plate tectonics and sedimentary geology. Tectonic subsidence and uplift are prerequisites for basin formation and terrigenous sediment supply, but sedimentary processes in a basin are governed by other factors, including water circulation and recycling of nutrients, sedi- ment transport, deposition, and redistribution. The sedimentary facies of a basin are largely controlled by the interrelationship between subsidence, sedimentation rate, and relative sea level change. Basinal sediment budgets are a topic which has been rarely treated in textbooks. Large-scale processes, facies associations, and especially sedimentary sequences are stressed in the book, rather than small-scale sedimentary structures, texture, petrographic characteristics, or detailed descriptions of biogenic sediment components and trace fossils. The latter phenomena are sufficiently described in a number of modern books. Finally, brief sections address the application of basic knowledge to exploration for hydrocarbons, coal, minerals, and deep groundwater.
This book is written for advanced students and professionals who re- quire a comparatively straightforward, elementary treatment of sedimentary basin processes and evolution. The reader should already be familiar with general geology and geologic principles and have some basic knowledge of sedimentology. Quantitative aspects are described by simple equations and idealized examples. The book emphasizes broad, large-scale features of sedimentary basins and their facies associations. It provides only a limited number of case studies, which are chosen mostly from Europe and North America, but from other continents as well. Many experts will probably find that their specific topics are not treated thoroughly enough and that important datails have been omitted. Others may criticize that not all publications relevant to their fields are cited in the reference list. I would be grateful if these colleagues were to inform me when important points are missing or not treated properly.