Schichten

Schichten is the plural form of Schicht in German, meaning layer, stratum, or coat. The term is used across disciplines to denote discrete levels of material, substance, or activity arranged in a sequence or occurring in a stacked arrangement.

In geology and earth science, Schichten describe the stratified units of rock or sediment. Layers form through deposition, volcanic activity, or metamorphism, and the study of their order, thickness, and composition—stratigraphy—helps scientists interpret past environments and geological history.

In soil science and ecology, Schichten refer to horizons within a soil profile, commonly labeled O, A, E, B, and C. These horizons reflect variations in organic content, mineral composition, weathering, and drainage, influencing soil fertility and plant growth.

In information technology and engineering, Schichten or Schichtenmodell denotes a layered architecture that partitions a system into distinct layers, such as presentation, business logic, and data access. This separation of concerns supports modularity, easier maintenance, and clearer testing.

In everyday usage, Schichten also describes layered foods, for example a Schichtkuchen (layer cake). The verb schichten means to layer or stack items, and the concept appears in fashion, textiles, packaging, and culinary contexts.

Overall, Schichten captures the idea of multiple levels that interact or stack to form a whole, with the specific meaning and implications varying by field.