ASBOG Practice Exam

For establishing valid stratigraphic correlation, the depositional environments must be:

1. Correlative; in opposition

2. Correlative; not in opposition

3. Uniform; complex

4. Unique; random

The correct answer is: Correlative; not in opposition

For establishing valid stratigraphic correlation, the depositional environments must be correlative and not in opposition. This is crucial because stratigraphic correlation relies on identifying layers of rock that were deposited at the same time, often under similar environmental conditions. When environments are correlative, it indicates that they share characteristics that allow geologists to associate them with specific time periods and geological processes, facilitating a more accurate interpretation of the geological history across different locations. When depositional environments are not in opposition, it supports the idea that similar processes were occurring across various regions, thus helping to build a coherent picture of the geological framework. In contrast, if environments were in opposition, it would imply conflicting conditions that cannot easily be reconciled, making it difficult to establish meaningful correlations between strata from different geographical locations. Such a situation would lead to confusion and inaccuracies in reconstructing geological history. Options that suggest environments should be uniform, complex, unique, or random do not accurately reflect the principle of stratigraphic correlation, which emphasizes the need for similarity and coherence in depositional settings to validate the association of geological layers.