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Chapter 12: Problem 5

The letters following each Review Question refer to the corresponding Learning Objective from the Chapter Opener. What is a stratigraphic formation? Describe two different methods of correlating formations. How was correlation used to develop the geologic column? (D)

Short Answer

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A stratigraphic formation is a distinct rock unit characterized by a specific combination of rock types, fossil content, and geologic features. Lithostratigraphic correlation and biostratigraphic correlation are two methods used to correlate formations. Lithostratigraphic correlation involves comparing rock units based on their lithology, while biostratigraphic correlation focuses on fossil content. Correlation is essential in developing the geologic column, which represents Earth's history based on the relative ages of rock units, aiding in understanding the Earth's evolution and development of life forms.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Stratigraphic Formation

A stratigraphic formation is a distinct rock unit characterized by a particular combination of rock types, fossil content, and other geologic features. These formations are used by geologists to study the Earth's history and to determine the age of the surrounding landscape. In general, formations are groupings of rocks based on their physical and chemical properties, which are then named and cataloged for future reference and study.
02

Method 1 - Lithostratigraphic Correlation

Lithostratigraphic correlation is one of the methods used to correlate formations. This method involves comparing and correlating rock units based on their lithology, which is the physical and chemical characteristics of the rock layers (such as color, texture, grain size, mineral composition, and sedimentary structures). Geologists use this method to identify the presence of similar rock units in different locations, implying that they were formed under similar conditions and at around the same time.
03

Method 2 - Biostratigraphic Correlation

The second method of correlating formations is biostratigraphic correlation. This process involves comparing and correlating rock units based on their fossil content. Geologists analyze the types and distribution of fossils found within a rock unit in order to determine its age and the environmental conditions during its formation. By comparing the fossil content of different rock units, geologists can establish their relative ages and determine if they were part of the same environment when they were formed.
04

Use of Correlation in Developing the Geologic Column

Correlation plays a crucial role in the development of the geologic column, which is a graphical representation of Earth's history based on the relative ages of rock units. By correlating stratigraphic formations using lithostratigraphic and biostratigraphic methods, geologists can identify the chronological order of the rock layers and construct a complete timeline of Earth's history. The geologic column serves as a tool for understanding the evolution of the Earth, its climate, and the development of life forms over time.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

The letters following each Review Question refer to the corresponding Learning Objective from the Chapter Opener. What happens during radioactive decay and what does a half-life indicate? (E)

The letters following each Review Question refer to the corresponding Learning Objective from the Chapter Opener. Why can't we date sedimentary rocks directly? How do we assign numerical ages to intervals on the geologic column to produce a geologic time scale? (F)

The letters following each Review Question refer to the corresponding Learning Objective from the Chapter Opener. How are growth rings and ice layering useful in determining the ages of geologic events? (F)

The letters following each Review Question refer to the corresponding Learning Objective from the Chapter Opener. How do geologists obtain an isotopic date? What does the age of an igneous rock mean? What does the age of a metamorphic rock mean? (E)

The letters following each Review Question refer to the corresponding Learning Objective from the Chapter Opener. Describe the principles that allow us to determine the relative ages of geologic events. (B)
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