GLY 471

Stratigraphy and Sedimentology

Guide to Field Description of Sedimentary Rocks
Field stratigraphy requires astute observation and interpretation of sedimentary rocks at hand-sample
to outcrop scales. In order to interpret the depositional environment of sedimentary rocks it is
necessary to describe them in detail in three-dimensions. Only rarely are sedimentary rocks exposed
extensively in three-dimensions. In most cases three-dimensional description must be pieced
together from spatially correlatable one- or two-dimensional exposures.
Descriptions will begin at the base of each section and proceed upwards. Descriptions of rocks
require measurement of strata thickness and notation of physical characteristics. For this project, in
addition to stratigraphic thickness, each student will collect information pertaining to color, bedding,
texture, fossils, and unit geometry. Data will be recorded in the field notebook following the required
format (see attached). The notebook must be kept up-to-date by each student and will be
checked and part of your assessment.
Description normally follows a logical sequence as follows:
1.

Brief reconnaissance of the whole outcrop to gain a preliminary impression of the main
sedimentary features such as sedimentary rock types present (as defined by color,
composition, and texture), geometry and orientation of beds and bedsets, sedimentary
structures, and associated paleocurrents, trace and body fossils, vertical and lateral variation
in these sedimentary properties. An effort should be made to define preliminary lithofacies
and lithofacies associations (sequences). You will need a notebook, hand lens, clinocompass,
measuring tape or stick (Jacob staff) , grainsize comparator, acid bottle, etc.

2.

Detailed description and stratigraphic logs. The best way of recording sedimentological
information in the field is to construct a graphic log and write detailed observations next to it.
The type and style of log produced at the outcrop will depend largely on the scale and nature
of the project; however, in the data collection phases of a project, it is better to err on the side
of collecting too much information rather than too little. There are reasonably standard ways
of compiling the descriptive information graphically. Examples are given on attached sheets.
Notice that it is possible to display a large amount of information on graphic logs, including
mean grain size, composition, bed geometry, sedimentary structures, paleocurrents, fossils,
colors, etc.. It is critical to think about the best scale to use.
When measuring sedimentological logs, start at the base of the outcrop and, where possible,
record the following information for each bed or bed set:
Lithology. Composition of grains and cement/matrix. Mean grain size, sorting, shape, fabric.
Degree of cementation or weathering. Color on fresh and weathered surfaces. Spatial
variations of lithology in a bed or bed set. Name the sedimentary rock based on this
information.
Bedding Geometry. Thickness, including lateral variation. Are beds sheet-like, lenticular,
etc.? Nature of upper and lower boundaries (erosional, sharp, gradational, etc...)
1

Sedimentary Structures. Describe internal and external structures, including their dimensions,
orientations, spatial variation, etc. If difficult to see, collect a sample for laboratory
analysis.
Direction Indicators. Record direction azimuth separately for each structure. If regional dip
exceeds approximately 15, a correction is required to obtain the true paleocurrent
azimuth.
Fossils. Identify body and trace fossils, and collect samples if possible. Record variation in
size and shape, abundance and spatial distribution, orientation, sediment-fossil and
fossil-fossil associations, nature of preservation.
Recognition of Mappable Units
One of the goals of field stratigraphy is to recognize distinct stratigraphic units based upon their
physical characteristics and are useful in mapping and correlation. The fundamental unit is a
formation that is defined as a distinct mappable rock unit. Keep the scale of the project in mind. Do
not become obsessed with a two-foot unit that does not differ markedly from the strata below and
above. Step back from the outcrop and get a feeling for any natural breaks in the sequence. For
example, as you look at a 100 foot tall cliff exposure try and determine changes in such physical
characteristics as bedding style, color, or erosional profile; these initial observations may expedite
the measuring processes. distinction is the word of the day.
Dont be thrown off by subtle variations in rock characteristicstry to identify unifying features. A
formation may have much variation within it. For example, a 100 foot sequence containing
alternating 20 foot intervals of thin beds and thick beds may be observed. Each of these 20 foot
intervals may be described individually and assigned an informal unit designator (e.g., A1, A2,
etc). this is fine simply as a matter of convenience. However, it may be determined that grain size,
fossils, and other physical characteristics of each 20-foot-thick vary only slightly. Therefore, these
alternations should be combined into a single mapable formation. The basic questions to ask is this:
If I were in a pasture and came upon three feet of this 20 foot section of thin bedded strata, could I
say exactly where I was in the 100 foot sequence? If the answer is NO, then do some lumping; if
its YES consider other alternatives like a member or marker bed before giving the interval
formational status.
As the exercise progresses prospective formations, or mappable units, may reveal systematic vertical
changes. These changes may be due to grain size variations (e.g., coarser upward), bedding changes,
or a combination of certain features such as fossils or bedding, for example. Under such
circumstances the designation of members may be appropriate.
Although details ARE important, try not to be overcome by the minutia when measuring sections.
Be prepared to move to the left and right along strike (perpendicular to the line of section) in order to
allow complete description. As sedimentary rocks tend to occur in repetitive sequences, you will find
that, after the initial stages, it is not necessary to determine all of the above sedimentary properties
for every bed or bedset. It is obviously an advantage to recognize distinctive facies at an early stage.
Look for the significant changes.