Sequence Stratigraphy

“Stratigraphy is the study and description of rock successions. It leads to interpretation and fuller understanding of rock successions as sequences of events in the geological history of the Earth” ( Whittaker et al., 1991 ). The fundamental procedure of stratigraphy is to divide a sedimentary succession into units, which can be correlated over the basin, correlation being the demonstration of correspondence between geological units in some defined property and in relative stratigraphical position ( Whittaker et al., 1991 ). Accordingly, lithostratigraphic units are described and defined using their gross lithological characteristics and by their interrelationships with adjacent units. However, lithostratigraphic units are often time-transgressive (diachronous) and are not suitable for revelation of sequential changes of a sedimentary basin ( Owen, 1987 ).