stratigraphy

Also known as stratigraphic geology

upright=1.35|thumb|The Permian through [[Jurassic strata of the Colorado Plateau area of southeastern Utah demonstrate the principles of stratigraphy.]] Stratigraphy is a branch of geology concerned with the study of rock layers (strata) and layering (stratification). It is primarily used in the study of sedimentary and layered volcanic rocks. Stratigraphy has three related subfields: lithostratigraphy (lithologic stratigraphy), biostratigraphy (biologic stratigraphy), and chronostratigraphy (stratigraphy by age).

AI overview

Stratigraphy is the branch of geology that studies rock layers and how they form, focusing mainly on sedimentary and volcanic rocks. It matters because scientists use it to understand Earth's history by examining different layers of rock and their characteristics, including their composition, the fossils they contain, and their age.

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Commons category: Stratigraphy

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~9 min read

Article

9 sections

Contents

Historical Development
Lithostratigraphy
Biostratigraphy
Chronostratigraphy
Magnetostratigraphy
See also
References
Further reading
External links

Several principles and laws come into play when using stratigraphy such as Principle of original horizontality, Law of superposition, Cross-cutting relationships, Principle of inclusions, Principle of faunal succession.