Formation and horizon: types of boundaries and their relationship

Abstract

In dividing supracrustal strata, formation and horizon have been and are basic stratigraphic units. Stratigraphic boundaries of a formation, a natural geologic body, are drawn mostly on the basis of its composition. Paleontological remains constrain the formation in time and spatially locate it in the Earth's crust. Boundaries between formations can be of three types: strictly stratigraphic, parastratigraphic, and allostratographic. The stratigraphic interval can range from a fraction of a horizon or chronozone to several stages. At the boundary between two systems the adjacent parts of the formation can relate to both systems. The main stratigraphic characteristics for recognizing horizons are paleontologic (biostratigraphic) features, revealed by zonal, paleoecosystemic (ecostratigraphic), bioeventual, and other methods to make a basis for their immanent signature. Horizon can be characterized by boundaries of only two types: strictly stratigraphic and allostratigraphic. The stratigraphic interval of a horizon can vary from a single chronozone to a stage. Boundaries of neighboring horizons at the contact between two stages or systems should coincide with the latter. The stratigraphic units of the International Stratigraphic Chart, in contrary to formation and horizon, are characterized by borders of only one type — strictly stratigraphic.