The article describes two fossil coral reefs in geologic outcrops at the Bahamas sites—one above the other—separated by an erosional surface. What is this erosional surface called, and what conditions must have changed in order for it to form?

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Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)

9th Edition

ISBN:9780134746241

Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa

Publisher:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa

Chapter1: The Study Of Minerals

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1LR

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The article describes two fossil coral reefs in geologic outcrops at the Bahamas sites—one above the other—separated by an erosional surface. What is this erosional surface called, and what conditions must have changed in order for it to form?

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The erosional surface seen between two coral reef fossils are called unconformity. An unconformity is the surface of erosion or non-deposition formed between two strata of rock formations of different age and maybe different or same lithology. Unconformities can be Angular unconformity, Non- conformity, Disconformity and Para conformity. In this case the unconformity is a disconformity. Disconformity is formed between two strata which are sedimentary in origin. Fossil bearing strata are essentially sedimentary, disconformity is the erosional or non-depositional surface between an older sedimentary rock formation and a younger sedimentary rock formation.