Walther's Law Research Articles

Punctuated aggradational cycles: Implications for stratigraphic analysis

Application of the hypothesis of punctuated aggradational cycles (PACs), a model of episodic stratigraphic accumulation, has yielded results fundamentally in conflict with those predicted and generated by gradualistic models. The assumption that stratigraphic accumulation is controlled principally by rapid small‐scale base level fluctuations in the Milankovitch band leads to the adoption of the PAC, a thin time‐stratigraphic unit, as the fundamental unit of stratigraphic description and interpretation; the thicker generally diachronous formation is inadequate for stratigraphic analysis because it is an artifact of stratigraphic gradualism. Correlation of stratigraphic sections is accomplished by matching patterns of facies change, particularly the abrupt changes at the synchronous surfaces that mark PAC boundaries. This kind of physical event correlation is far more accurate than traditional biostratigraphic methods. Focus on synchronous PAC boundaries separating environmentally disjunct facies reveals discontinuities that preclude application of Walther's law across those surfaces. When viewed from this episodic perspective, the Manlius Formation of the Helderberg Group in New York state becomes a highly ordered set of time‐stratigraphic cycles rather than a disordered mosaic of facies representing short‐term autogenic processes in a single nearshore environment. Not only was Manlius deposition episodic with no gradual upward deepening as is predicted by stratigraphic gradualism, but also the Manlius‐Coeymans formational boundary is interpreted as a small‐scale unconformity rather than a paleoenvironmental boundary created by gradual transgression. Each of these interpretations is the direct result of assuming and applying a model of episodic stratigraphic accumulation.

Breaking Walther's Law: ABSTRACT

Walther's law of facies cannot be meaningfully applied to explain major facies transitions in the Helderberg Group of New York. Correct application of the law requires that superimposed facies accumulated conformably, that is those facies and facies areas can be superimposed primarily which can be observed beside each other at the present time. Application of the law to the Helderberg Group fails on the conformable constraint. The Helderberg Group consists entirely of punctuated aggradational cycles (PACs), shallowing-upward cycles (1-5 m thick) separated by isochronous surfaces of marked facies discontinuity. The facies changes across these surfaces indicate that they were produced by abrupt relative sea level rises. Analysis of facies within any pair of successiv PACs indicates that each sea level rise disrupted the environmental spectrum associated with the deposition of the underlying PAC and established a disconnected new environmental pattern in which deposition of the overlying PAC was initiated. Therefore, facies changes analogous to those occurring across PAC boundaries cannot be found in contiguous modern environments. It is possible to meet Walther's strict criterion of conformity, and thus correctly apply his law, only for vertical facies transitions within PACs. The law cannot be applied to thicker rock sequences such as the Helderberg Group, represented by several formations and major facies, because they consist entirely of PACs and thus contain many paleo-environmental discontinuities. We conclude that stratigraphers, as a conseque ce of assuming the paradigm of stratigraphic gradualism, have failed to recognize the significance of these discontinuities and therefore have been breaking Walther's law. One of the consequences of adopting a new paradigm of episodic accumulation may be that stratigraphers will apply Walther's law in the manner that Walther apparently intended, as an actualistic rule for interpreting conformable vertical sequences. End_of_Article - Last_Page 234------------

Paleoslope Models of Miocene-Pliocene and Campanian-Lower Maestrichtian Foraminifera of Maryland and New Jersey: ABSTRACT

Paleobathymetric or paleoslope models of the distribution of benthic foraminifera have been constructed for strandline to slope environments of deposition for the Campanian-lower Maestrichtian and the Miocene-Pliocene of the coastal plain of Maryland and New Jersey. Samples from outcrops and downdip wells in formations deposited during four cycles of sea level change in the Miocene-Pliocene and four in the Campanian-lower Maestrichtian are the data base from which the models are constructed. Foraminiferal distributions analyzed downdip in a paleoslope direction and vertically in stratigraphic section utilizing Walther's Law provide a rigid measure of the juxtaposition of biofacies and allow integration of biofacies from each sea level cycle into a single paleoslope profil . Distance downdip in the structurally uncomplicated passive margin of the coastal plain, used as a measure of increasing paleodepth, is a constraint on the estimation of bathymetry of each biofacies. The result is a paleoslope model that relates paleodepth to the abundance distribution of benthic species along the profile. This allows a more critical evaluation of the role played by benthic species in the shelf-upper slope environments during Miocene-Pliocene and Campanian-Maestrichtian times. Miocene-Pliocene species that have maximum development in 0 to 25 m (82 ft) depth include Elphidium gunteri, Buliminella elegantissima, and Nonionella auris. Species characteristically developed in 30 to 50 m (100 to 165 ft) are Cibicides lobatulus, Fursenkoina fusiformis, and Bolivina multicostata. Hanzawaia concentrica, Florilus atlantica, Textularia agglutinans, and Bolivina paula are among several species with maximum abundance in 50 to 100 m (165 to 300 ft). In 100 to 200 m (330 to 660 ft) are peak occurrences of Hanzawaia berthelotti, Spihogenerina spinosa, Cassidulinoides bradyi, Bolivina fragilis, and Stilostomella bradyi. Species with distributions greater than 200 m (660 ft) include Gyroidina regularis, Sigmoilina tenuis, Bulimina spicata, Oridorsalis tener, and Pullenia sal sburyi. Campanian-lower Maestrichtian species with peak abundances in 10 to 50 m (33 to 165 ft) include Lenticulina pseudosecans, Citharina suturalis, Pullenia americana, and Clavulina clavata. Species abundant in 50 to 100 m (165 to 330 ft) are Gaudryina stephenson, Clavulina trilatera, Gavelinella pinguis, and nodosarids. Maximum occurrences of Praebulimina carseyae, Coryphostoma plaitum, Loxostomum eleyi, Globorotalites micheliniana, and Gavelinella spissocostata are identified with 100 to 200 m (330 to 660 ft). Heterostomella americana, Osangularia cordierana, Stensioina exculpta gracilis, Pullenia cretacea, and Gavelinella ammonoides are indicative of depths greater than 200 m (660 ft). End_of_Article - Last_Page 527------------

Formation of an Oxisol‐Ultisol Transition in São Paulo, Brazil: II. Lateral Dynamics of Chemical Weathering

AbstractDepending on the mineralogical nature of the parent material and underlying rock, Fe, Mn, Si, and bases are concentrated downslope as a result of lateral‐ and/or base‐water flow action. Dissolution at the rock‐saprolite interface is an important supplier of those elements, which are transported by the base‐water flow affecting mainly the soils in the footslope.Chemical weathering does not always proceed in the same direction. The alternate process of desilication‐resilication occurs horizontally downslope along the toposequence. This approximately corresponds to Walther's Law of Succession of Facies. The lateral resilication process is important in tropical regions because it counterbalances the allitization process and explains the occurrence of relatively less weathered clay minerals on lower slope positions in the soilscape.

Stratigraphy -- The Fall of Continuity

The twentieth-century theme of discontinuity has begun to invade stratigraphy. It is implicit in the recently-developed sea-level curve and in the realization that fracture rather than simple flexure controls basin development. The recognition of discontinuity in the stratigraphic record is changing our views of two of Steno's principles, Superposition and Original Lateral Continuity. Small-scale vertical discontinuity is exemplified by bedform migration, storm deposition, turbidite sedimentation, fan or delta-lobe switching, channel or inlet migration. On a larger scale, transgressive overstep marked by a subtle disconformity is a common feature in the record. Its recognition has led to a new model for cyclothem deposition, in which the cycles are strongly asymmetric and regressive dominant. Similar cycles have been advocated for carbonate sequences. Transgressive disconformities are important to identify, because their presence invalidates the use of Walther's Law. Vertical discontinuity on a grand scal...

Lithofacies Analysis of Castile Formation, Delaware Basin, Texas and New Mexico: ABSTRACT

Walther's law of correlation of facies can be illustrated by the facies associations of the Castile Formation (Upper Permian) in the Delaware basin of Texas and New Mexico. Two major stratigraphic successions are represented by two lithofacies composed of calcite-anhydrite laminations in the western part of the basin intercalated with carbonate-laminated, anhydrite-halite bands in the eastern two-thirds of the basin. Organically rich layers are common to all the laminae types. The laminations were formed simultaneously over a large area of the basin at a relatively constant rate. The alternating laminae of the two components forming side by side in the two lithotopes (areas of uniform deposition) are interpreted as representing an annual layer of sedimentation, a varve. T e lateral and vertical persistence of the varves provides the best model of rock correlation where time lines are well established by applying statistical-correlation techniques to stratigraphically correlated laminations. All the primary characteristics of the two lithofacies--their gross appearance, sonic and electric-log properties, trace-element contents, petrologic variations, and component associations--are significant in determining the depositional environment of the Delaware basin. End_of_Article - Last_Page 420------------

Coenocorrelation: gradient analysis of fossil communities and its applications in stratigraphy

Coenocorrelation is the correlation of positions in a stratigraphic sequence with corresponding positions along a paleoenvironmental gradient through gradient analysis of fossil communities. By ordination of community samples, the distribution and abundance of taxa along a depth gradient can be translated into a continuous scale that accurately measures the gradient and thus makes possible analysis of facies change on a continuum. The procedure is tested using data on marine benthic invertebrates along ten time-parallel transects down an Ordovician basin slope (Trenton Group, New York). Reversals between transgression and regression revealed in coenocorrelation curves served nearly as well as bentonite beds in time-correlation of sections. Ordinations gave estimates of depositional strike in close agreement with estimates from physical indicators. Walther's Law of Facies is evidently a more rigorous, quantifiable generalization than it has been revealed to be through classificatory approaches to communities and environments.

Johannes Walther's Law of the Correlation of Facies

Research Article| March 01, 1973 Johannes Walther's Law of the Correlation of Facies GERARD V. MIDDLETON GERARD V. MIDDLETON 1Department of Geology, McMaster University, Hamilton 16, Ontario, Canada Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar GSA Bulletin (1973) 84 (3): 979–988. https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1973)84<979:JWLOTC>2.0.CO;2 Article history first online: 01 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation GERARD V. MIDDLETON; Johannes Walther's Law of the Correlation of Facies. GSA Bulletin 1973;; 84 (3): 979–988. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1973)84<979:JWLOTC>2.0.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGSA Bulletin Search Advanced Search Abstract The writings of Johannes Walther (1860–1937) have been neglected in the west and his Law of the Correlation (or Succession) of Facies has been ignored or misstated in many textbooks of stratigraphy. Walther should be recognized as a pioneer stratigrapher-sedimentologist, important as both a world traveller and explorer of modern sedimentary environments (deserts, reefs, laterites), and as a theorist. His main theoretical contributions were his championing of the actualistic method for the study of fossils and sedimentary rocks and his founding of the science of comparative lithology. Comparative lithology was seen by Walther as the analogue for sedimentary rocks of comparative anatomy for fossils. It has been neglected in the West until the recent revival of the concept of facies models.Walther's Law was the key concept within comparative lithology, and was originally stated as follows: “The various deposits of the same facies areas and similarly the sum of the rocks of different facies areas are formed beside each other in space, though in cross-section we see them lying on top of each other. As with biotopes, it is a basic statement of far-reaching significance that only those facies and facies areas can be superimposed primarily which can be observed beside each other at the present time.”In Russia, Walther's writings appear to have had a greater influence than they have had in Europe and America. They have been partly responsible for the development there of “lithology” as a branch of the geological sciences separate from stratigraphy or petrology. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.

Johannes Walther's Law of the Correlation of Facies: Discussion

Johannes Walther's Law of the Correlation of Facies: Discussion

Johannes Walther's Law of Correlation (or Succession) of Facies: ABSTRACT

writings of Johannes Walther (1860-1937) have been neglected in the west and his law of the correlation (or succession) of facies has been ignored or misstated in many text books of stratigraphy. Walther should be recognized as a pioneer stratigrapher-sedimentologist, important both as a world traveler and explorer of modern sedimentary environments (deserts, reefs, laterites) and as a theorist. His main theoretical contributions were his championing of the End_Page 639------------------------------ actualistic method for the study of fossils and sedimentary rocks and his founding of the science of comparative lithology. Comparative was seen by Walther as the analogue for sedimentary rocks of comparative anatomy for fossils. It has been neglected in the western world until the recent revival of the concept of facies models. Walther's law was the key concept within comparative lithology, and was originally stated as follows: The various deposits of the same facies areas and similarly the sum of the rocks of different facies areas are formed beside each other in space, though in cross-section we see them lying on top of each other. As with biotopes, it is a basic statement of far-reaching significance that only those facies and facies areas can be superimposed primarily which can be observed beside each other at the present time. In Russia, Walther's writings appear to have had a far greater influence than they have in Europe and America. They have been partly responsible for the development there of lithology as a branch of the geological sciences separate from stratigraphy or petrology. End_of_Article - Last_Page 640------------

Sedimentary Cycles in Green River Formation (Eocene): Modification of Walther's Law: ABSTRACT

Along Raven Ridge in northeastern Utah, the Parachute Creek Member of the Green River Formation contains contemporaneous sedimentary cycles that range in environment from fluvial through deep lacustrine. End_Page 722------------------------------ Fluvial cycles consist of basal channels, channel-filling sandstone, and silty claystone floodplain deposits capped by soil(?) horizons. Deep lacustrine cycles are alternations of oil shale and thin carbonate rock. Complex nearshore cycles contain a basal terrigenous sequence, grading upward from mudstone to sandstone, and an upper carbonate sequence of oomicrite and oosparite capped by discontinuous algal mats and stromatolites. Cycles in other paleogeographic settings are modifications or combinations of these three basic types. Through correlations of groups of cycles, fluctuations in the extend of Lake Uinta and resultant changes in local base level are interpreted to have produced the cycles. Walther's Law, which relates lateral facies changes to similar vertical sequences, cannot be applied to the Parachute Creek if only lithofacies are considered. For example, fluvial disconformities are equivalent to terrigenous lacustrine rocks, but none of the cycles contains both. Thus, Walther's Law must be modified to consider events and history, rather than lithofacies. Then the fluvial disconformities and terrigenous lacustrine rocks are seen to represent a single event, a fall in base level, and should not occur in vertical sequence. This modification of Walther's Law does not violate its original intent. Rather, the applicability of this useful principle is broadened by removing the general requirement of regionally extensive lithofacies. Furthermore, attention is focused on history and causes, rather than on products. End_of_Article - Last_Page 723------------

Evaporite Basin Configuration--Structural versus Sedimentary Interpretation: ABSTRACT

This paper presents different interpretations of the structural and/or stratigraphic criteria which are the bases for understanding evaporite-basin sedimentation and its subsequent role in oil exploration. The gross profile and configuration of Devonian Famennian, Givetian, and Eifelian evaporite basins in North America have induced the a priori conclusion that these lenses and wedges are the result of differential sedimentary tectonics with contemporaneous evaporite-carbonate deposition. Such basins are viewed as culminating in uniform subsidence and conformable deposition of superjacent successions--generally of open-marine and nearshore facies. Although this hypothesis deserves equal consideration with any other as a basis for interpreting evaporite-basin sedimentation, its preponderant acceptance without benefit of local and regional detailed stratigraphic studies hardly endows it with any real validity. In testing, this hypothesis should be examined seriously by the following considerations: (1) Walther's Law of Correlation of Facies demands that an unconformity must be recognized between the evaporites and the overlying transgressive redbed, sand, and/or carbonate succession; (2) related to Walther's Law--contemporaneous carbonate-evaporite deposition generally is impossible; the concept of cyclical superposition is much more rational; and (3) the offset axes of superjacent successions demand End_Page 550------------------------------ interdepositional tectonics and not subsidence contemporary with sedimentation. The above three points support the validity of the concept that the Devonian Famennian, Givetian, and Eifelian evaporite-basin configurations are not simply the result of differential sedimentary tectonics but are mainly eroded structural remnants. Supporting this concept are detailed stratigraphic subdivisions suggesting that these basins or lenses are only remnants of originally much more expansive evaporite depositional regions. These basins are analogous to structural basins in contemporaneous open-marine sedimentary provinces. Post-depositional epeirogenic movement and vast areal erosion have left thick broad lenses or wedges of evaporite sections--regionally defined as evaporite provinces of deposition. In searching for hydrocarbon accumulations among structural and stratigraphic traps within the evaporite complex, one has to consider these critical factors--the supra-evaporite basin unconformities and their tectonic origin. End_of_Article - Last_Page 551------------

Use of Vertical Profile in Environmental Reconstruction

The relationships of the vertical stratigraphic succession to areal depositional patterns was first observed by Johannes Walther and is known as Walther's Law of Facies. Each depositional unit in a vertical stratigraphic succession is the result of a particular sedimentary environment. When these units are complied vertically, they represent a sequence of environments produced by a specific over-all sedimentary process such as regression or transgression. These environmental successions are definite and recognizable and may be used to determine fundamental depositional sequences in ancient rocks. Therefore, depositional sequences may be used as reference frameworks (or models) for interpreting the sedimentary history of any stratigraphic section. Only a limited number of depositional sequences (or models) has been found in a comparative study of Recent and ancient sediments. The following sequences have been developed into models of sedimentation. Regressive marine 4. Marine shale or lagoonal deposits 3. Thick-bedded, wavy-bedded, well sorted sand 2. Thin-bedded sand/silt and shale 1. Poorly bedded shale Lowermost units are deposited below wave base; higher units close to sea-level. Fluvial (channel or valley-fill) 4. Ripple cross-laminated zone 3. Laminated, even-bedded sand/silt zone 2. Festoon cross-bedded zone 1. Basal conglomeratic zone Deltaic A regressive marine sequence overlain by nearshore fluvial, bay, and marsh deposits; characterized by extensive marine deposits and variable non-marine sediment distribution patterns. Transgressive marine 2. Marine shales or fragmental limestones 1. Sand or silt Widespread distribution and thinness are diagnostic; basal unit abruptly overlies shale in many places; gradation upward into marine shale is rapid. Bathyal-abyssal Widely distributed, thin-bedded; fauna and sedimentary structures characteristic of deeper water. Lacustrine Resemble regressive marine sequences, but are commonly developed on a smaller scale and lack marine fauna.

Use of the Vertical Profile in Environmental Reconstruction: ABSTRACT

The relation of the vertical stratigraphic succession to areal depositional patterns was first observed by Johannes Walther and is known as Walther's Law of Facies. Each depositional unit in a vertical stratigraphic succession is the result of a particular sedimentary environment. When these units are compiled vertically, they represent a sequence of environments characteristic of a specific over-all sedimentary process such as regression or transgression. These environmental successions are definite and recognizable and may be used to define over-all sedimentary processes in ancient rocks. Therefore, environmental sequences provide a reference framework for interpreting the sedimentary history of any stratigraphic section. Only a limited number of specific vertical sequences has been found in a comparative study of Recent and ancient sediments. The following sequences have been developed into models of sedimentation. Regressive Marine c. Marine shale or lagoonal deposits b. Thin-bedded sand/silt and shale a. Poorly bedded shale Lowermost units are deposited below wave base; higher units close to sea-level. Fluvial (channel or valley-fill sequence) d. Ripple cross-laminated zone c. Laminated, even-bedded sand/silt zone b. Festoon cross-bedded zone a. Basal conglomeratic bedload zone Deltaic Sequences Regressive marine sequences overlain by nearshore fluvial, bay, and marsh deposits; characterized by extensive marine deposits and variable non-marine sediment distribution patterns. Transgressive Marine b. Marine shales or fragmental limestones a. Sand or silt Widespread distribution and thinness are diagnostic; basal unit abruptly overlies shale in many instances; gradation upward into marine shale is rapid. Bathyal-Abyssal Sediments Widely distributed, thin-bedded; fauna and sedimentary structures characteristic of deeper water. Lacustrine Sediments Resembles regressive marine sequences, but is developed on a smaller scale and lacks marine fauna. End_of_Article - Last_Page 374------------