CPG Stratigraphic Analysis & Sedimentology

Question 1

Which stratigraphic principle states that in undisturbed sedimentary sequences, older strata lie beneath younger strata?

Accepted Answer

Principle of superposition

Answer

Principle of original horizontality

Answer

Principle of cross-cutting relationships

Answer

Principle of faunal succession

Question 2

In sequence stratigraphy, a sequence boundary (SB) is most commonly characterized by which feature?

Accepted Answer

Subaerial exposure and incised valley formation during sea-level lowstand

Answer

Maximum marine flooding and deepest water conditions

Answer

Rapid transgression over a wave-ravinement surface

Answer

Maximum progradation of deltaic systems

Question 3

What sedimentary structure is most diagnostic of bidirectional tidal currents?

Accepted Answer

Herringbone cross-stratification

Answer

Graded bedding

Answer

Large-scale planar cross-bedding

Answer

Parallel lamination

Question 4

In sequence stratigraphy, the maximum flooding surface (MFS) represents:

Accepted Answer

The deepest water conditions and maximum landward extent of marine transgression

Answer

The base of a lowstand systems tract

Answer

The maximum seaward extent of regression

Answer

An unconformity surface formed during sea-level fall

Question 5

Which depositional environment most commonly produces a coarsening-upward (shallowing-upward) succession?

Accepted Answer

Prograding deltaic system

Answer

Meandering river channel fill

Answer

Deep-water turbidite lobe

Answer

Transgressive barrier island

Question 6

The bioturbation index (BI) used in core description quantifies:

Accepted Answer

The degree to which burrowing organisms have disrupted primary sedimentary structures

Answer

The percentage of organic carbon in sedimentary rock

Answer

The density of fossil shells in carbonate rocks

Answer

The ratio of sand to shale in a mixed clastic sequence

Question 7

Large-scale, high-angle cross-bedding with bimodal paleocurrent patterns is most characteristic of which depositional environment?

Accepted Answer

Aeolian (wind-deposited) dune field

Answer

Shallow marine shoreface

Answer

Tidal flat

Answer

Fluvial braided system