Simplified stratigraphic column
This exercise centers on the development of stratigraphic column, simplified column correlations, interpretation
of depositional environments, and development of a model to accounting for the vertical lithologic changes
evident.
Lab Assignment
Construct:
A. Construct a more detailed stratigraphic column of column 1 (information in table below) using the
unit descriptions provided below and data presented in the table.
B. Construct 3 simplified stratigraphic columns
C. Interpret the depositional environments
D. Construct a simplified facies diagram
E. Construct a diagram showing how the vertical lithologic changes occurred
A. Constructing the detailed stratigraphic column
1. Use the example of the stratigraphic column shown on the next page.
2. Include:
a. Column headings should be: formation name, age, thickness, description of units (on right of
column) etc. in table format next to column as in the example.
b. Construct a detailed stratigraphic column using appropriate lithologic symbols which you
develop. Use the page showing lithologic symbols to help you. You will likely have to develop
your own symbols.
c. Color the column.
d. Construct the column at 1”=100 ft and at a width of 1 ½ inches.
e. Add the erosional profile to column
f. Place unit descriptions to right of column. Block off units.
g. Place name, ages, etch of units to left of column in columns about ½ inch wide
h. Place a title above the column e.g. Stratigraphic column of Golden Eagle Mountains, Los
Angeles, Ca and how measured. Stratigraphic columns are measure with Jacob staffs or tape and
brunton. We will indicate that your column was measured with a Jacob staff.
i. Place an explanation for lithologies and other symbols used with
j. Place a scale next to explanation
B. Constructing 3 simplified stratigraphic columns (Use separate page)
1. Construct, using a pencil, 3 separate stratigraphic columns using the lithologic data listed below
2. Use a scale of 1”=200ft
3. Your eastern column is constructed on the left side of the page and the western columns to the right.
4. The width of each column is about 1 inch
5. Separate column by approximately 2 inches
6. Use appropriate symbols for each lithology
7. Correlate lithologies using solid lines
C. Determining the Depositional Environments
1. Use the lithologic descriptions to determine the depositional environments for each formation. Provide
as much information for each environment including depths, water conditions, energy, etc. I want as
much detail as you can provide
2. Determine which unit is closer to land and which is more distant from the land
D. Constructing a Facies Diagram
1. Use the example given in the succeeding page to construct a facies diagram representing the different
units. Use a similar scale as the diagram
2. Use generalized lithologic symbols for the diagram
3. Color the diagram
E. Constructing a Diagram Showing the Migration of Facies
1. Construct the diagram similar to the one shown on the next page
2. You must migrate the facies so that all of the columns that you constructed are represented.
3. Show the columns on the diagram
Unit Descriptions
Sandstone—Very resistant, well sorted, well rounded, coarse grained, quartz arenite with planar laminations
some of which contain heavy minerals, herringbone cross-beds, symmetrical ripples
Shale—Recessive black, laminations of silt, symmetrical ripples, trilobites and brachiopods
Limestone—Moderately resistant biolithite of coral, some oolitic grainstones, stromatolites and oncolites.
Granite—Weathered porphyritic, with euhedral potassium feldspar crystals up to six inches in length.
Color for Units: Sandstone-light brown, Shale—green, Limestone—yellow, granite—pink. Maintain color
scheme for all diagrams.
FM Name
Column 1
Column 2
Column 3
G Sandstone
Sandstone
100
Sandstone
100
Sandstone
200
Miss
E Shale
Shale
100
Shale
200
Shale
100
Dev
D Limestone
Limestone
300
Limestone
200
Limestone
100
Sil
C Shale
Shale
200
Shale
200
Shale
100
Ord
B Sandstone
Sandstone
100
Sandstone
100
Sandstone
200
Cam
A Granite
Basement
50+
Basement
50+
Basement
50+
PreC
Formations, lithologies and thicknesses. Thicknesses are in ft.
Age
Stratigraphic column representing rocks in Dinosaur National Monument. This is an example of column that
should be constructed for your first column. Note the right margin of the column shows the erosional profile for
the units i.e., whether units are recessive or resistant. Also note the lithologic symbols used to represent the
lithologies.
Construct a facies diagram for your area. Color and use generalized lithologic symbols.
Example of changing facies with changing sea level. Construct a similar diagram for your columns and show
where your columns are located as in the example below.