disconformity
Erosion-caused rock break
Disconformity is a lack of conformity or agreement—a mismatch between things that should align.
In geology, it refers specifically to a gap in the rock record where erosion removed layers before new sediment was deposited, creating a surface between parallel strata of different ages.
The disconformity represents millions of missing years.
Break in activity
- time gapPeriod between occurrences
- transgressionViolation of law or code
- regressionReturn to former state
- geologic timeEarth's age measured epochally
Break in activity
- missing timeUnremembered time span
- lacunaAbsent piece in sequence
- intervalDuration between two points
- breakInterrupt continuity
void · discontinuity · interruption · cessation · pause
Division into distinct levels
- sedimentary layersAccumulated geological deposits
- limestoneCarbonate sedimentary rock
- shaleCompacted clay sediment
- sandstoneCemented grain sediment
formation · outcrop · sequence · horizon · facies · deposition · sedimentation · contact
Atmospheric breakdown of materials
- denudationRemoval of surface covering
- upliftRaise emotionally or physically
- sea level changeOceanic height variation
- abrasionShallow surface wound
hiatus
Break in activity
- time gapPeriod between occurrences
- transgressionViolation of law or code
- regressionReturn to former state
geologic time · geochronology · radiometric dating · stratigraphy
hiatus
Break in activity
- missing timeUnremembered time span
- lacunaAbsent piece in sequence
- intervalDuration between two points
break · void · discontinuity · interruption · cessation · pause
stratification
Division into distinct levels
- sedimentary layersAccumulated geological deposits
- limestoneCarbonate sedimentary rock
- shaleCompacted clay sediment
sandstone · formation · outcrop · sequence · horizon · facies · deposition · sedimentation · contact · boundary
weathering
Atmospheric breakdown of materials
- denudationRemoval of surface covering
- upliftRaise emotionally or physically
- sea level changeOceanic height variation
conform, conformity, conformist, nonconformity, nonconforming, conformable, unconformity, nonconformance