Stratigraphy

Geologic time scale: A framework for understanding the temporal relationships between different rocks and geologic events.

Absolute and relative dating: Techniques for determining the age of rocks and fossils, including radiometric dating and stratigraphic correlation.

Stratigraphic principles: The basic principles used to interpret the sequence and distribution of rocks, including superposition, original horizontality, and lateral continuity.

Sedimentary processes: The processes involved in the formation and deposition of sedimentary rocks, including weathering, erosion, transportation, and deposition.

Fossil preservation: The conditions under which fossils are preserved, including fossilization processes such as permineralization and replacement.

Fossil identification: The anatomy and morphology of different types of fossils, including body fossils, trace fossils, and microfossils.

Paleoenvironments: The reconstruction of ancient environments based on their sedimentary record, including ancient climates, ecosystems, and landscapes.

Tectonic processes: The role of tectonics in shaping the geologic record, including the formation of mountain ranges, rifts, and volcanic arc systems.

Stratigraphic nomenclature: The system used to name and classify different rock units, including formations, members, and beds.

Sequence stratigraphy: The study of the cyclical depositional patterns and sedimentary architecture of sedimentary basins, often used for reservoir characterization in the petroleum industry.

Biostratigraphy: The use of fossils to correlate and date sedimentary rock units, often used in oil exploration and mining.

Chemostratigraphy: The study of the isotopic and elemental composition of rocks and minerals, used to understand paleoenvironmental conditions and reconstruct geologic history.

Magnetostratigraphy: The study of the magnetic properties of rocks, used to correlate rock units and determine their age.

Geochronology: The study of the absolute ages of rocks and minerals, using techniques such as radiometric dating and geologic time scale calibration.

Correlation methods: Techniques used to compare and match rock units from different locations, including stratigraphic correlation, biostratigraphic correlation, and chronostratigraphic correlation.

Lithostratigraphy: This type of stratigraphy is based on the physical features of the rock layers, including their composition, texture, and thickness.

Biostratigraphy: It is a stratigraphic formation based on the fossil content of rocks. It helps to determine the relative ages of rocks by comparing the fossil remains present in them.

Chronostratigraphy: It is a measure of time-based stratigraphy. It divides the geologic time into smaller units based on the age of the rocks.

Magnetostratigraphy: This type of stratigraphy is based on the magnetic properties of rocks. It helps to provide information about variations in the Earth's magnetic field over time.

Sequence stratigraphy: It is used to identify and interpret the depositional sequences of rocks laid down in the geological column. These sequences can reveal changes in sea level, sediment supply, and tectonic activity.

Cyclostratigraphy: It is a form of stratigraphy that studies the cyclical variations in sediments, such as deposition rates and mineral composition. It helps to determine the periodicity of geological events.

Chemostratigraphy: It is a stratigraphic formation based on the chemical characteristics of rocks, such as their mineralogy and isotopic composition.

Astrochronology: This type of stratigraphy is an extended form of chronostratigraphy which is based on the astronomical cycles of the Earth's revolution around the sun. It helps to determine the duration of geologic time through orbital variation.