Subaerial unconformity

In geology, a subaerial unconformity is a surface that displays signs of erosion by processes that commonly occur on the surface.[1] These processes generating the subaerial unconformity can include wind degradation, pedogenesis, dissolution processes such as karstification as well as fluvial processes such as fluvial erosion, bypass and river rejuvenation.[2]

Role in sequence stratigraphy

Subaerial unconformities are used as limiting surfaces that define sequences in sequence stratigraphy.[3] In this context they are synonymous with the terms lowstand unconformity, regressive surface of fluvial erosion as well as fluvial entrenchment surface and incision surface.[2]

References

  1. ^ Van Wagoner, JC (1988). "An overview of the fundamentals of sequence stratigraphy and key definitions". Special Publications of SEPM. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  2. ^ a b Catuneanu, Octavian (2011). "Sequence stratigraphy: methodology and nomenclature" (PDF). Newsletters on Stratigraphy. 44 (3). E. Schweizerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung: 173–245. doi:10.1127/0078-0421/2011/0011.
  3. ^ Patzkowsky, Mark E.; Holland, Steven M. (2012). Stratigraphic Paleobiology. Chicago: University of Chicago University Press. p. 38.


Stub icon

This article about stratigraphy is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.