AAPG Memoir 126 is aimed at practicing geologists as well as graduate students working on many aspects of fine-grained-rock successions--it is not just for a few "super-users." This book is designed to show explicitly "how to" analyze fine-grained-rock successions, construct integrated sequence-stratigraphic frameworks, and interpret and predict key rock attributes. It focuses on practical aspects and workflows, with abundant illustrations and examples, as well as pertinent discussion on genetic, exploration, and production implications. This Memoir focuses on how to use the sequence-stratigraphic approach to understand these challenging rocks within a chronostratigraphic framework that integrates the wide range of physical, biogenic, and chemical attributes of fine-grained-rock successions. It discusses many of the influences on rock properties that are important to hydrocarbon-source rocks, shale-gas and shale-oil reservoirs, and mudstone seal potential and provides practical tools that can be used in predicting their occurrence, character, and distribution.