The development and trend in the research of modern sedimentology

The present paper aiming to provide an overview of the current development and trend in the research of modern sedimentology stems from more than 200 sedimentological abstracts from the 31st International Geological Congress held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in August, 2001. The highlights include:(1) the environmental variations and evolution of clastic rocks, carbonate rocks and mixed sedimentary systems; (2) sedimentary basin analysis and tectono-sedimentology; (3) sequence stratigraphy; (4) glacial event sedimentology; (5) global changes; (6) environmental sedimentology; (7) resources sedimentology; (8) origin of bioherms and dolomites; (9) diagenesis of carbonate rocks. The current research in modern sedimentology focuses on interdisciplinary integration and solutions with the aid of hightech. The future research in sedimentology requires the further understanding of multidisciplinary aspects of environments, climates and resources.