Principles of Stratigraphy (1.3.3)

Question 1

What is stratigraphy?

Answer 1

The correlation of strata.

Question 2

Who was William Smith?

Answer 2

• ‘Father of stratigraphy’.
• “Branch of geology concerned with order and relative position of strata and their relationship to geological timescale.”
• First to note strata could be matched across large distances.
• Constructed first geological map 1815 (England + Wales).

Question 3

What was “The Map That Changed the World” created by William Smith?

Answer 3

• Demonstrated lateral correlation of sedimentary rock types.
• Geological cross-sections portray inferred distribution of stratal units in sub-surface.
• Predictive = in case of finding coal/water in sub-surface.

Question 4

What is lithostratigraphy?

Answer 4

Strata can be correlated laterally by rock type (relative dating).

Question 5

What is biostratigraphy?

Answer 5

Strata can be correlated laterally by fossil type (relative dating).

Question 6

What is chronostratigraphy?

Answer 6

Strata can be correlated laterally by numerical (radiometric) dating (absolute dating).

Question 7

What are formations?

Answer 7

Distinct, correlatable rock units, basic units of stratigraphy.

Question 8

What is stratigraphic correlation?

Answer 8

• Primary tool for unravelling regional geological histories.
• Reconstruct original palaeogeographical relationships.
• Key to discovery and exploitation of geological resources.