Stratigraphy

The study of strata (layers) of rocks with an

eye toward interpreting the geologic history
of the region
Closely tied to dating methods
Uses a variety of methods - fossils, stable
isotopes, paleomagnetics, sedimentary cycles
- to correlate and distinguish layers
Very important for oil exploration and mining

Stratigraphic Principles
Principle of original horizontality
Every sedimentary layer is deposited
horizontally

Stratigraphic Principles
Principle of cross-cutting
relationships
Any layer that is cut by
something else has to be
older than that something
else
Applies to igneous
intrusions, faults, veins,
erosional surfaces, etc.

Granitic intrusion
From D. McConnell, Geologic Time,
http://lists.uakron.edu/geology/natscigeo/Lec
tures/time/gtime1.htm

Stratigraphic Principles
Principle of stratigraphic superposition
Oldest rocks are on the bottom
Youngest rocks are on the top
Dead Horse Point, UT
From D. McConnell, Geologic Time,
http://lists.uakron.edu/geology/natscigeo/Lec
tures/time/gtime1.htm

Stratigraphic Principles
Principle of original lateral
continuity
Sedimentary layers dont just stop suddenly Millroy, PA
They extend horizontally until they taper out

Pictures from D. McConnell,

Geologic Time,
http://lists.uakron.edu/geology/na
tscigeo/Lectures/time/gtime1.htm

Graybull, WY

Stratigraphic Principles
Principle of unconformities
Some stratigraphic sections are incomplete
Any place where there is missing time is
called an unconformity
Unconformities normally happen either
through erosion or non-deposition

The Great Unconformity

Grand Canyon, AZ

Angular

Unconformity

Disconformity

Nonconformity

Stratigraphic Thinking

From D. McConnell, Geologic Time,

http://lists.uakron.edu/geology/natscigeo/Lectures/time/gtime1.htm

One possible interpretation...