Geologic Column

(or stratigraphic column), a diagram that uses special symbols to represent in a certain scale the sequence of strata in a standard geologic section and the nature of the contacts between adjacent stratigraphic units. A geologic column usually gives the names or index numbers of the stratigraphic units, the geologic ages of the units, the thicknesses of the units, and the units’ lithologic and paleontological characteristics. A geologic column that has been constructed by comparing two or more local geologic sections is called a composite geologic column.