The nature and classification of environments – comparison with living representatives –evidence of biological activity and associated sediments – lateral and vertical variations – geographical distribution of assemblages – trace fossils – biodiversity – environmental changes through geologic time.

Grain morphologies and statistical distribution of grain size – classification of sedimentary rocks - mineral composition of detrital rocks and its relationship to the tectonic setting – diagenesis – carbonate rocks and evaporites – phosphorites – ironstones – siliceous rocks – coal and coalification processes.