Sequence Stratigraphy and Geologic Time

Miall, Andrew D.

Abstract

The maturation of sequence stratigraphy and the development of a refined geological timescale have provided the basis for much more detailed stratigraphic reconstructions than were possible as little as a decade ago. Earlier studies showing that measured sedimentation rates vary inversely in proportion to the timescale over which they are measured may now be placed in a context that relates rates and timescales to actual geological processes. As little as 10% of elapsed time may be represented by a vertical succession at any one location. Sediment breaks account for the remainder, and constitute a much more significant component of stratigraphic processes than is generally assumed. Research methods that assume stratigraphic continuity must take this fact into account.

Citation

Miall, A. D. (2017). Sequence Stratigraphy and Geologic Time. In M. Montenari (Ed.), Stratigraphy & Timescales (59-83). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.sats.2017.06.001

• Online Publication Date: Aug 10, 2017
• Publication Date: 2017
• Deposit Date: Jun 7, 2023
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Pages: 59-83
• Series Title: Advances in Sequence Stratigraphy
• Series ISSN: 2468-5178
• Book Title: Stratigraphy & Timescales
• Chapter Number: 2
• ISBN: 978-0-12-813077-3
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.sats.2017.06.001