The interpretation of ancient sedimentary environments is a vital tool in the search for petroleum, coal and other economic resources. This fourth edition of this text has been rewritten to reflect advances in the subject, in particular stratigraphy and new geophysical techniques. New case studies have been added where appropriate.;The book features: an account of the methods used to determine depositional environments of sedimentary rocks and their economic potential; case histories for all the major environments; and integration of classic sedimentology with the new concepts of seismic sequence stratigraphy and borehole imaging techniques;This work aims to be a useful reading for advanced undergraduates in earth sciences, as well as for sedimentology postgraduates and professional geologists working in the oil industry and related fields.