stratigraphic
Concerning rock layers
Stratigraphic describes things relating to stratigraphy—the study of rock layers and their sequence.
Geologists use stratigraphic analysis to determine the relative ages of rock formations and the fossils within them: The stratigraphic record shows mass extinction events.
The term extends to any layered deposits, including archaeological sites where soil layers reveal chronological information.
Solid stone underground
- outcropSurfacing native stone
- unconformityGap in rock sequence
- faciesDiagnostic facial appearance
- correlationStatistical relationship measure
stratification · cross-bedding · formation · superposition · sequence · tectonics · geochronology · volcanic ash
Formal testimony under oath
- siltationAccumulation of fine waterborne particles
- accretionGrowth through external addition
- alluviumWater-deposited loose sediment
- clasticMade of rock fragments
deltaic · fluvial · marine · pelagic · biogenic · loess · lamination · bedding
Division into distinct periods
- epochsDistinct historical stretches
- erasNamed spans of history
- eonsImmense spans of time
- agesExtended time spans
dating · sequence · temporal · prehistory · antiquity · succession · relative dating · absolute dating
Preserved ancient organism traces
- trilobitesExtinct marine arthropods
- ammonitesExtinct coiled-shell cephalopods
- dinosaursExtinct prehistoric reptiles
- petrifiedSolidified or fear-paralyzed
amber · coprolites · extinction · megafauna · vertebrates · invertebrates · flora · faunal
bedrock
Solid stone underground
- outcropSurfacing native stone
- unconformityGap in rock sequence
- faciesDiagnostic facial appearance
correlation · stratification · cross-bedding · formation · superposition · sequence · tectonics · geochronology · volcanic ash · basin
deposition
Formal testimony under oath
- siltationAccumulation of fine waterborne particles
- accretionGrowth through external addition
- alluviumWater-deposited loose sediment
clastic · deltaic · fluvial · marine · pelagic · biogenic · loess · lamination · bedding · horizon
periodization
Division into distinct periods
ages · dating · sequence · temporal · prehistory · antiquity · succession · relative dating · absolute dating · radiometric
fossils
Preserved ancient organism traces
- trilobitesExtinct marine arthropods
- ammonitesExtinct coiled-shell cephalopods
- dinosaursExtinct prehistoric reptiles
petrified · amber · coprolites · extinction · megafauna · vertebrates · invertebrates · flora · faunal · paleoclimate
excavation
Act of unearthing
- trowelFlat blade for spreading
- artifactsHuman-made historical objects
- contextCircumstances shaping meaning
in situ · seriation · palimpsest · matrix · interface · profile · section · midden · floor level · fill
stratigraphictectonic
Of crustal forces
structural · igneous · plutonic · volcanic · metamorphic
stratigraphiccross-cutting
Editing between parallel actions
intrusive · disordered · chaotic · non-sequential · achronological
stratigraphicstructural
Relating to building framework
tectonic · deformational · non-sequential · cross-cutting · intrusive