The Basic Sequence Model

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to present a succinct summary of sequence concepts, derived mainly from the Exxon work. Vail and his coworkers have developed a complete framework for stratigraphic analysis, including new concepts with their own definitions, and new interpretive methodologies. It is important to be familiar with these, as the terms and concepts are now used by virtually all stratigraphers. However, in recent years there has grown among many stratigraphers a tendency toward the unthinking acceptance of the Exxon models, leading to a lack of focus on important alternative data and ideas. Some of these points are noted below, but the major discussion and critique of the Exxon models is deferred to later parts of this book.