Litostratigráfiai

Litostratigráfiai, or lithostratigraphy, is a branch of geology that studies and organizes rock sequences primarily by lithology and stratigraphic position. It focuses on the physical characteristics of rocks—such as mineral composition, grain size, texture, color, and bedding—rather than on their age. The central idea is to define lithostratigraphic units that can be correlated across regions based on shared rock types and depositional facies rather than on time.

The basic units in litostratigráfiai are lithostratigraphic units, with formations being the fundamental building block. Other levels include members, groups, and subformations. A unit is typically defined by a distinctive, recognizable lithology and bounded by clear contacts, which may be conformable or unconformable. Names are often tied to a type section or a geographic reference, providing a standard basis for description and correlation.

Correlation in lithostratigraphy relies on lithologic continuity and facies relationships, sometimes extended with sequence stratigraphy or other methods when necessary. Because units are defined by rock characteristics rather than age, lithostratigraphic correlations can be equally valid over large areas if lithologies match, but they may be difficult in regions where rocks have similar appearances or where erosional surfaces disrupt continuity. Lithostratigraphy is frequently integrated with biostratigraphy, chemostratigraphy, and magnetostratigraphy to establish a more complete geological history and to relate rock units to absolute ages.

Applications of litostratigráfiai include resource exploration (such as petroleum geology and mineral deposits), hydrogeology, and engineering geology. Its neutral, descriptive approach provides a framework for mapping and communicating about rock sequences, while recognizing its limitations in age determination.