Stratigraphic units in space and time

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ID: 297082
1959
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Abstract
The physical basis for stratigraphy should be restricted to surface-accumulated (sedimentary and volcanic) rocks; intrusive igneous, metamorphic, and other post-depositionally emplaced bodies should be excluded. Relationships involve at least a four-dimensional space-time continuum which, for ease of concept and convenience of graphic portrayal, may be subdivided into 2 three-dimensional frameworks: 1) a spatial framework in which all intrinsically objective (physical and biostratigraphic) units are defined; and 2) a framework with lateral spatial dimensions and a vertical temporal dimension, in which all subjective (time-stratigraphic) units are defined. Transposition (with appropriate distortion) of the objective, spatial elements to the subjective, space-time framework (or vice versa) provides bases for integration and potentially complete historical interpretation. Moreover, such an integrated system, insofar as it may be dimensionally valid and otherwise logically constructed, tends to induce consideration of various essential relationships which commonly have been disregarded in stratigraphic analyses and historical interpretations. Present geologic knowledge and practices imply that 4 basic principles and numerous distinctional factors or criteria must be satisfied. The principles are superposition, faunal succession, base-level, and datum variance. Among the distinctional criteria are subjectivity and objectivity; physical, bio-, and time-stratigraphic; environmental ("ecostratigraphic") and nonenvironmental control; natural and arbitrary configuration; mode of contiguity (vertical, lateral, and intertongued); mappability and scale; lithology; unconformity; evolution; "uniformity" and heterogeneity; barrenness; lateral variation (facies); deposition, nondeposition, and erosion (stratigraphic cycle); tangibility; and continuity versus discontinuity. Although the number of factors appears unwieldly, if the physical, bio- and time-stratigraphic categories are shown on one coordinate axis, and if the other factors, as additional bases for unit configuration, are appropriately applied to the other, a reasonably simple, dual (space and space-time) classification may be constructed.
Reference Key
openalex_W2328303958 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Harry E. Wheeler
Journal american journal of science
Year 1959
DOI
10.2475/ajs.257.10.692
URL
https://doi.org/10.2475/ajs.257.10.692
Keywords Keywords not found

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