VI
Preface
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 weH. 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. J would be
grateful if these colleagues were to inform me when important points are missing
or not treated properly.
All books bear the personal stamp of the author. In keeping with this unavoidable tradition, this book is influenced by my experience in studies of both modern
marine sediments and ancient sedimentary rocks on land. Furthermore, I have done
some work on mass physical properties and the mechanical behavior of soft and
overconsolidated sediments, as well as in the area of groundwater behavior. This
volume is based partially on courses which I have taught for many years, as well as
on an intensive literature study, particularly of papers and topical volumes published during the past three to four years. Nevertheless, I am afraid and even certain that I have missed a great number of important publications, especially those
written in languages I cannot read, such as Russian, Chinese, Japanese, and others.
I apologize for these omissions, but then, one person is no longer able to evaluate
the enormous literature which is published today, even in a limited field of geology.
Finally, I wish to express my thanks to a number of coHeagues who reviewed specific chapters of this book and provided me with invaluable comments: Thomas
Aigner (Tübingen), Erwin Appel (Tübingen), Robin Bathurst (Liverpool), R.
Langbein (Greifswald), Stefan Kempe (Hamburg), Hanspeter Luterbacher
(Tübingen), Ulrich von Rad (Hannover), Werner Ricken (Tübingen), Rüdiger
Stein (Bremerhaven), Jobst Wendt (Tübingen), Jan Veizer (Bochum), and Andreas
Wetzel (Basel). Nevertheless, only I can be taken to task for any shortcomings or
errors in this text.
Linda Hobert and Susanne Borchert reviewed the English text and helped clarify many points. Hermann Vollmer produced most of the text's figures. Wolfgang
Engel and Susanne Fink of Springer-Verlag, among others, assisted me in many
ways in the production of this volume. All this help is gratefully acknowledged.
Last but not least I wish to thank my wife Ruth and my family, who with great
fortitude tolerated my incessant work on weekends and in the evenings and did
their best to spare me from the usual house chores and many other obligations
which I should have taken care of.
Gerhard Einsele
Tübingen, November 1991
Preface
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 weH. 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. J would be
grateful if these colleagues were to inform me when important points are missing
or not treated properly.
All books bear the personal stamp of the author. In keeping with this unavoidable tradition, this book is influenced by my experience in studies of both modern
marine sediments and ancient sedimentary rocks on land. Furthermore, I have done
some work on mass physical properties and the mechanical behavior of soft and
overconsolidated sediments, as well as in the area of groundwater behavior. This
volume is based partially on courses which I have taught for many years, as well as
on an intensive literature study, particularly of papers and topical volumes published during the past three to four years. Nevertheless, I am afraid and even certain that I have missed a great number of important publications, especially those
written in languages I cannot read, such as Russian, Chinese, Japanese, and others.
I apologize for these omissions, but then, one person is no longer able to evaluate
the enormous literature which is published today, even in a limited field of geology.
Finally, I wish to express my thanks to a number of coHeagues who reviewed specific chapters of this book and provided me with invaluable comments: Thomas
Aigner (Tübingen), Erwin Appel (Tübingen), Robin Bathurst (Liverpool), R.
Langbein (Greifswald), Stefan Kempe (Hamburg), Hanspeter Luterbacher
(Tübingen), Ulrich von Rad (Hannover), Werner Ricken (Tübingen), Rüdiger
Stein (Bremerhaven), Jobst Wendt (Tübingen), Jan Veizer (Bochum), and Andreas
Wetzel (Basel). Nevertheless, only I can be taken to task for any shortcomings or
errors in this text.
Linda Hobert and Susanne Borchert reviewed the English text and helped clarify many points. Hermann Vollmer produced most of the text's figures. Wolfgang
Engel and Susanne Fink of Springer-Verlag, among others, assisted me in many
ways in the production of this volume. All this help is gratefully acknowledged.
Last but not least I wish to thank my wife Ruth and my family, who with great
fortitude tolerated my incessant work on weekends and in the evenings and did
their best to spare me from the usual house chores and many other obligations
which I should have taken care of.
Gerhard Einsele
Tübingen, November 1991