Geology: Methods of Correlation

Determining age relationships between rock units or geologic events in separate areas.

To understand better how the earth has evolved.

By tracing individual strata for considerable distances within an area.

<p>Strata may thin, die out, or merge with adjacent strata, complicating and limiting the method.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It provides a more comprehensive view of the region's geologic history.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To see whether rock units of the same age could once have been continuous units.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Formations are larger units and mappable over broad regions, making correlation more reliable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>If a very unusual sequence of rocks is involved.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Marker horizons are distinctive beds used to trace rock formations in neighboring areas. They are used to establish the same age of formations in different areas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Key beds are thin, widespread beds with distinctive characteristics that can be easily recognized. They are useful in correlating major rock sections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The surface of unconformity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Tectonic movements are simultaneously active over a large part of the earth’s crust.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It helps in dividing rock sequences into formations and members based on differences in mineral composition, textures, and structures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In areas of volcanic activity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Especially if rocks being correlated are common ones.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Formations are larger units and mappable over broad regions, allowing for more reliable correlation.</p> Signup and view all the answers