columnar section

views updated

columnar section A simplified graphic representation of the succession of rocks in a particular area, shown in the form of a column with the oldest rocks at the bottom. Each rock unit is distinguished by an appropriate lithologic symbol, and the thicknesses of the units are drawn to scale. Columnar sections from across a region are often shown side by side to demonstrate lateral variations in lithology and stratigraphy.

More From encyclopedia.com

About this article

columnar section

Updated About encyclopedia.com content Print Article

You Might Also Like