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{{Short description|Volume of rock}} |
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A '''stratigraphic unit''' is a volume of [[Rock (geology)|rock]] of identifiable origin and relative age range that is defined by the distinctive and dominant, easily mapped and recognizable [[petrology|petrographic]], [[lithology|lithologic]] or [[paleontology|paleontologic]] features ([[facies]]) that characterize it. |
A '''stratigraphic unit''' is a volume of [[Rock (geology)|rock]] of identifiable origin and relative age range that is defined by the distinctive and dominant, easily mapped and recognizable [[petrology|petrographic]], [[lithology|lithologic]] or [[paleontology|paleontologic]] features ([[facies]]) that characterize it. |
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[[Image:SEUtahStrat.JPG|thumb|300px|The [[Permian]] through [[Jurassic]] strata of the [[Colorado Plateau]] area of southeastern [[Utah]] demonstrate the principles of [[stratigraphy]]. These strata make up much of the famous prominent rock formations in widely spaced protected areas such as [[Capitol Reef National Park]] and [[Canyonlands National Park]]. From top to bottom: Rounded tan domes of the [[Navajo Sandstone]], layered red [[Kayenta Formation]], cliff-forming, vertically jointed, red [[Wingate Sandstone]], slope-forming, purplish [[Chinle Formation]], layered, lighter-red [[Moenkopi Formation]], and white, layered [[Cutler Formation]] sandstone. Picture from [[Glen Canyon National Recreation Area]], Utah.]] |
[[Image:SEUtahStrat.JPG|thumb|300px|The [[Permian]] through [[Jurassic]] strata of the [[Colorado Plateau]] area of southeastern [[Utah]] demonstrate the principles of [[stratigraphy]]. These strata make up much of the famous prominent rock formations in widely spaced protected areas such as [[Capitol Reef National Park]] and [[Canyonlands National Park]]. From top to bottom: Rounded tan domes of the [[Navajo Sandstone]], layered red [[Kayenta Formation]], cliff-forming, vertically jointed, red [[Wingate Sandstone]], slope-forming, purplish [[Chinle Formation]], layered, lighter-red [[Moenkopi Formation]], and white, layered [[Cutler Formation]] sandstone. Picture from [[Glen Canyon National Recreation Area]], Utah.]] |
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Sequences of [[sedimentary rock|sedimentary]] and [[volcanic rock]]s are subdivided on the basis of their [[lithology]]. Going from smaller to larger in |
Sequences of [[sedimentary rock|sedimentary]] and [[volcanic rock]]s are subdivided on the basis of their shared or associated [[lithology]]. Formally identified lithostratigraphic units are structured in a hierarchy of '''lithostratigraphic rank''', higher rank units generally comprising two or more units of lower rank. Going from smaller to larger in rank, the main lithostratigraphic ranks are bed, member, formation, group and supergroup.<ref name= AAPG /><ref name="Mathur">{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_3IXiK8VvcIC&q=stratigraphy+units+bed+member+formation+group+supergroup&pg=PA130 | title=Elements of Geology | author=Mathur S.M. | year=2008 | pages=129–130 | isbn=978-8120335158}}</ref><ref name="Brookfield">{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cRiWoAVOl2wC&q=stratigraphy+units+bed+member+formation+group+supergroup&pg=PA200 | title=Principles of Stratigraphy | publisher=John Wiley & Sons | author=Brookfield M.E. | year=2008 | page=200 | isbn=978-0470693223}}</ref> |
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Formal names of lithostratigraphic units are assigned by [[geological survey]]s. Units of formation or higher rank are usually named for the unit's [[Type locality (geology)|type location]], and the formal name usually also states the unit's rank or lithology. A lithostratigraphic unit may have a change in rank over a some distance; a group may thin to a formation in another region and a formation may reduce in rank for member or bed as it "pinches out".<ref name= AAPG >{{cite journal |journal= American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin |volume=89 |issue=11 |title= North American Stratigraphic Code |author= 2004 North American Commission on Stratigraphic Nomenclature |url= https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/NACSN/05_1547.pdf |pages= 1567–1570 |access-date= June 13, 2020 |quote= The wedge-out of a component formation or formations may justify the reduction of a group to formation rank, retaining the same name. | year= 2005 }}</ref><!-- examples? All of my examples are midcontinent bias. --> |
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===Bed=== |
===Bed=== |
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{{main|Bed (geology)}} |
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A [[bed (geology)|bed]] is a lithologically distinct layer within a member or formation and is the smallest recognisable stratigraphic unit. These are not normally named, but may be in the case of a [[marker horizon]].<ref name="Stratorg_litho">{{cite web | url= |
A [[bed (geology)|bed]] is a lithologically distinct layer within a member or formation and is the smallest recognisable stratigraphic unit. These are not normally named, but may be in the case of a [[marker horizon]].<ref name="Stratorg_litho">{{cite web | url=https://stratigraphy.org/guide/litho | title=Chapter 5. Lithostratigraphic Units | publisher=[[International Commission on Stratigraphy]] | year=2013–2014 | access-date=4 June 2014}}</ref> |
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===Member=== |
===Member=== |
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A member is a named lithologically distinct part of a formation. Not all formations are subdivided in this way and even where they are |
A member is a named lithologically distinct part of a formation. Not all formations are subdivided in this way and even where they are recognized, they may only form part of the formation.<ref name="Stratorg_litho"/> A member need not be mappable at the same scale as a formation.<ref name="NASDC-1569">North American Stratigraphic Code, p. 1569</ref> |
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===Formation=== |
===Formation=== |
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{{ |
{{main|Geological formation}} |
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Formations are the primary units used in the subdivision of a sequence and may vary in scale from tens of centimetres to kilometres. They should be distinct lithologically from other formations, although the boundaries do not need to be sharp. To be formally recognised, a formation must have sufficient extent to be useful in mapping an area.<ref name="Stratorg_litho"/> |
Formations are the primary units used in the subdivision of a sequence and may vary in scale from tens of centimetres to kilometres. They should be distinct lithologically from other formations, although the boundaries do not need to be sharp. To be formally recognised, a formation must have sufficient extent to be useful in mapping an area.<ref name="Stratorg_litho"/> |
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===Group=== |
===Group=== |
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{{main|Group (stratigraphy)}} |
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A group is |
A group is a set of two or more formations that share certain lithological characteristics. A group may be made up of different formations in different geographical areas and individual formations may appear in more than one group.<ref name="Stratorg_litho"/> Groups are occasionally divided into subgroups, but subgroups are not mentioned in the North American Stratigraphic Code,<ref name= AAPG /> and are permitted under International Commission on Stratigraphy guidelines only in exceptional circumstances.<ref name="Stratorg_litho"/> |
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===Supergroup=== |
===Supergroup=== |
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A supergroup is |
A supergroup is a set of two or more associated groups and/or formations that share certain lithological characteristics. A supergroup may be made up of different groups in different geographical areas.<ref name="Stratorg_litho"/> |
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==Biostratigraphic units== |
==Biostratigraphic units== |
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{{main|Biostratigraphy}} |
{{main|Biostratigraphy}} |
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A sequence of [[fossil]]-bearing sedimentary rocks can be subdivided on the basis of the occurrence of particular fossil [[taxon|taxa]]. A unit defined in this way is known as a biostratigraphic unit, generally shortened to [[biozone]].<ref name="Rey & Galeotti">{{cite book | url= |
A sequence of [[fossil]]-bearing sedimentary rocks can be subdivided on the basis of the occurrence of particular fossil [[taxon|taxa]]. A unit defined in this way is known as a biostratigraphic unit, generally shortened to [[biozone]].<ref name="Rey & Galeotti">{{cite book | chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3hM2CkCYJbgC&q=biostratigraphic+units&pg=PA65 | title=Stratigraphy: Terminology and Practice|chapter=Biostratigraphy from taxon to biozones and biozonal schemes | publisher=Editions OPHRYS | author=Thierry J. |author2=Galeotti S. |editor1=Rey J. |editor2=Galeotti S. | year=2008 | pages=64–73 | isbn=9782710809104}}</ref> The five commonly used types of biozone are assemblage, range, abundance, interval and lineage zones.<ref name="Stratorg_bio">{{cite web | url=http://stratigraphy.org/upload/bak/bio.htm | title=Chapter 7. Biostratigraphic Units | publisher=[[International Commission on Stratigraphy]] | year=2013–2014 | access-date=4 June 2014}}</ref> |
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* An ''assemblage zone'' is a stratigraphic interval characterised by an assemblage of three or more coexisting fossil taxa that distinguish it from surrounding strata.<ref name="Rey & Galeotti"/><ref name="Stratorg_bio"/> |
* An ''assemblage zone'' is a stratigraphic interval characterised by an assemblage of three or more coexisting fossil taxa that distinguish it from surrounding strata.<ref name="Rey & Galeotti"/><ref name="Stratorg_bio"/> |
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* A ''range zone'' is a stratigraphic interval that represents the occurrence range of a specific fossil taxon, based on the localities where it has been recognised.<ref name="Rey & Galeotti"/><ref name="Stratorg_bio"/> |
* A ''range zone'' is a stratigraphic interval that represents the occurrence range of a specific fossil taxon, based on the localities where it has been recognised.<ref name="Rey & Galeotti"/><ref name="Stratorg_bio"/> |
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* An ''abundance zone'' is a stratigraphic interval in which the abundance of a particular taxon (or group of taxa) is significantly greater than seen in neighbouring parts of the succession.<ref name="Rey & Galeotti"/><ref name="Stratorg_bio"/> |
* An ''abundance zone'' is a stratigraphic interval in which the abundance of a particular taxon (or group of taxa) is significantly greater than seen in neighbouring parts of the succession.<ref name="Rey & Galeotti"/><ref name="Stratorg_bio"/> |
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* An ''interval zone'' is a stratigraphic interval whose top and base are defined by horizons that mark the first or last occurrence of two different taxa.<ref name="Rey & Galeotti"/><ref name="Stratorg_bio"/> |
* An ''interval zone'' is a stratigraphic interval whose top and base are defined by horizons that mark the first or last occurrence of two different taxa.<ref name="Rey & Galeotti"/><ref name="Stratorg_bio"/> |
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* A ''lineage zone'' is a stratigraphic interval that contains fossils that represent parts of the evolutionary lineage of a particular fossil group. This is a special case of a range zone.<ref name="Rey & Galeotti"/><ref name="Stratorg_bio"/> |
* A ''lineage zone'' is a stratigraphic interval that contains fossils that represent parts of the evolutionary lineage of a particular fossil group. This is a special case of a range zone.<ref name="Rey & Galeotti"/><ref name="Stratorg_bio"/> |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Geological Unit}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Geological Unit}} |
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[[Category:Geological units| ]] |
[[Category:Geological units| ]] |
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[[Category:Stratigraphy]] |
[[Category:Stratigraphy]] |
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Latest revision as of 21:49, 12 April 2024
A stratigraphic unit is a volume of rock of identifiable origin and relative age range that is defined by the distinctive and dominant, easily mapped and recognizable petrographic, lithologic or paleontologic features (facies) that characterize it.
Units must be mappable and distinct from one another, but the contact need not be particularly distinct. For instance, a unit may be defined by terms such as "when the sandstone component exceeds 75%".
Lithostratigraphic units
[edit]
Sequences of sedimentary and volcanic rocks are subdivided on the basis of their shared or associated lithology. Formally identified lithostratigraphic units are structured in a hierarchy of lithostratigraphic rank, higher rank units generally comprising two or more units of lower rank. Going from smaller to larger in rank, the main lithostratigraphic ranks are bed, member, formation, group and supergroup.[1][2][3]
Formal names of lithostratigraphic units are assigned by geological surveys. Units of formation or higher rank are usually named for the unit's type location, and the formal name usually also states the unit's rank or lithology. A lithostratigraphic unit may have a change in rank over a some distance; a group may thin to a formation in another region and a formation may reduce in rank for member or bed as it "pinches out".[1]
Bed
[edit]A bed is a lithologically distinct layer within a member or formation and is the smallest recognisable stratigraphic unit. These are not normally named, but may be in the case of a marker horizon.[4]
Member
[edit]A member is a named lithologically distinct part of a formation. Not all formations are subdivided in this way and even where they are recognized, they may only form part of the formation.[4] A member need not be mappable at the same scale as a formation.[5]
Formation
[edit]Formations are the primary units used in the subdivision of a sequence and may vary in scale from tens of centimetres to kilometres. They should be distinct lithologically from other formations, although the boundaries do not need to be sharp. To be formally recognised, a formation must have sufficient extent to be useful in mapping an area.[4]
Group
[edit]A group is a set of two or more formations that share certain lithological characteristics. A group may be made up of different formations in different geographical areas and individual formations may appear in more than one group.[4] Groups are occasionally divided into subgroups, but subgroups are not mentioned in the North American Stratigraphic Code,[1] and are permitted under International Commission on Stratigraphy guidelines only in exceptional circumstances.[4]
Supergroup
[edit]A supergroup is a set of two or more associated groups and/or formations that share certain lithological characteristics. A supergroup may be made up of different groups in different geographical areas.[4]
Biostratigraphic units
[edit]A sequence of fossil-bearing sedimentary rocks can be subdivided on the basis of the occurrence of particular fossil taxa. A unit defined in this way is known as a biostratigraphic unit, generally shortened to biozone.[6] The five commonly used types of biozone are assemblage, range, abundance, interval and lineage zones.[7]
- An assemblage zone is a stratigraphic interval characterised by an assemblage of three or more coexisting fossil taxa that distinguish it from surrounding strata.[6][7]
- A range zone is a stratigraphic interval that represents the occurrence range of a specific fossil taxon, based on the localities where it has been recognised.[6][7]
- An abundance zone is a stratigraphic interval in which the abundance of a particular taxon (or group of taxa) is significantly greater than seen in neighbouring parts of the succession.[6][7]
- An interval zone is a stratigraphic interval whose top and base are defined by horizons that mark the first or last occurrence of two different taxa.[6][7]
- A lineage zone is a stratigraphic interval that contains fossils that represent parts of the evolutionary lineage of a particular fossil group. This is a special case of a range zone.[6][7]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c 2004 North American Commission on Stratigraphic Nomenclature (2005). "North American Stratigraphic Code" (PDF). American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin. 89 (11): 1567–1570. Retrieved June 13, 2020.
The wedge-out of a component formation or formations may justify the reduction of a group to formation rank, retaining the same name.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Mathur S.M. (2008). Elements of Geology. pp. 129–130. ISBN 978-8120335158.
- ^ Brookfield M.E. (2008). Principles of Stratigraphy. John Wiley & Sons. p. 200. ISBN 978-0470693223.
- ^ a b c d e f "Chapter 5. Lithostratigraphic Units". International Commission on Stratigraphy. 2013–2014. Retrieved 4 June 2014.
- ^ North American Stratigraphic Code, p. 1569
- ^ a b c d e f Thierry J.; Galeotti S. (2008). "Biostratigraphy from taxon to biozones and biozonal schemes". In Rey J.; Galeotti S. (eds.). Stratigraphy: Terminology and Practice. Editions OPHRYS. pp. 64–73. ISBN 9782710809104.
- ^ a b c d e f "Chapter 7. Biostratigraphic Units". International Commission on Stratigraphy. 2013–2014. Retrieved 4 June 2014.