Stratigraphy: concepts and Iithostratigraphy
Introduction:
Stratigraphy provides the framework to unravel the events of the past few billion
years.
Stratigraphic analysis starts with determining the order in which rocks were
formed.
The process of grouping rock units by their physical characteristics is called
lithostratigraphy.
Beds of rock are grouped into units which have similar characteristics which are
then considered in relation to other units. This is the fundamental technique in
stratigraphic analysis, it provides the basis for the construction of geological maps.
What is Stratigraphy ?
Stratigraphy is the branch of geology that deals with all rock strata
forming the Earth’s crust to organize them in Space and time.
Eocene Carbonates
It includes their : Unit VII
description, Unit VI
classification, Unit V
naming and Unit IV
correlation.
Unit III
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All classes of rocks; igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary
(consolidated and loose) fall within the general scope of
stratigraphy and stratigraphic classification.
Differences in geological time terminology and usage
Carboniferous Period
Hierarchy of divisions of the Cenozoic
Material stratigraphic units
Lithostratigraphic unit:
a body of rock distinguished and defined by its lithological characteristics and its stratigraphic
position relative to other bodies of rock. These are generally layered sedimentary rocks.
Lithodemic rerefs to Nonstratified igneous & metamorphic rocks.
Biostratigraphic unit:
a body of rock which is defined and characterized by its fossil content.
Allostratigraphic unit:
a body of rock defined by its position relative to unconformities or other correlatable surfaces
which reflect changes in base level during deposition of the sedimentary succession. ‘Sequence
stratigraphy’ is an allostratigraphic approach to the of material stratigraphic units.
Magnetostratigraphic unit:
a body of rock which exhibits magnetic properties which are different from those of adjacent
bodies of rock in the stratigraphic succession.
Chronostratigraphic unit:
a body of rock which has lower and upper boundaries which are each isochronotis surfaces. An
isochronous surface is one which formed at the same time everywhere.
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1. Stratigraphy and geological time
Difference between Geological time and material evidences for events occurred during earth history
Geological time
Geochronologic units (e.g. Periods)
Chronostratigraphic units (e.g. Systems)
Table 1:
Geological time units and chronostratigraphic units.
2. Chronostratigraphy
At first the distinction between chronostratigraphic units and units of geological time
is not obvious.
eonothem and erathem
System
Series
Stage
chronozone.
2.1 Use of terminology:
Time and rock
Early and lower
2.2 Applications of chronostratigraphy
Reconstruction of palae-oenvironments
Depositional environment
Palaeogeography
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Benefits of Stratigraphy
Displays the vertical and lateral distribution of rock strata
and their interrelationship.
Displays the stratal geometry, lapout and missing intervals
Contributes in building static model
Contributes in field evaluation and reserve estimation
Contributes in locating development and appraisal wells
3. Physical stratigraphy
Basic principles
3.1 Stratigraphic relationships
SUPERPOSITION
UNCONFORMITIES
CROSS-CUTTING RELATIONSHIPS
SUPERPOSITION
Fig. 1 Principles of superposition:
(a) a ‘layer-cake’ stratigraphy;
(b) stratigraphic relations around a
reef or similar feature with a
depositional topography.
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“In right way up rock succession, the beds higher in elevation
are younger than the lower ones in elevation.
Pitfalls of this rule
This rule can not apply in:
1- Tilted rock sequences.
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Pitfalls of this rule
This rule can not apply in:
2- fluvial terraces & channel deposits
Pitfalls of this rule
This rule can not apply in:
3- Deposits with depositional relief
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UNCONFORMITIES
Unconformity
It means a missing in time record via a break in
sedimentation and or erosion.
It It is represented by a surface, the beds above which are
younger than those below.
Types of
unconformity
Non- Dis-
Angular
conformity conformity
Types of stratal boundary:
(a) angular unconformity;
(b) (b) disconformity;
(c) (c) non-conformity.
An angular unconformity between
dipping Eocene limestone beds and
horizontal Oligocene conglomerate
beds, near Graus, northern Spain.
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CROSS-CUTTING RELATIONSHIPS
Stratigraphic relationships: (a) cross-cutting relations; (b) included fragments.
Cross-cutting is also seen in sedimentary or neptunian dykes which form
by younger sediments filling a crack or chasm in older rocks. These are
most often seen as cracks in limestone formed by karstic solution.
INCLUDED FRAGMENTS
xenoliths (literally ‘foreign rocks’)
Way-up indicators in sedimentary rocks
In any analysis of deformed strata (folding and faulting), it is essential to know the
direction of younging.
