the thinking geologist

A strong rooted paradigm in the geological culture is that related to the falling of the base level with the generation of regressive deposits in the basin. Although intuitively this may seem correct, just analyze the relationship between the accommodation space and the sedimentation rate allows to notice that something goes wrong. For pragmatical purposes we will consider that the sedimentation rate is constant. Under this condition, also is added that when there is a relative rise of the base level, the product will be an increase in the accommodation space. This is the key to understanding not only the mechanics of sequence stratigraphy analysis, but also that eustatic rise generate the greatest sediment accumulation in the basin. If we analyze at a certain point the evolution of the sedimentary package, different stacking patterns will ocurrs depending on the rate of relative rise of the base level. Thus, under a constant sedimentary supply, it can produce a progr...