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Letter UGeology glossary

Unconformity

An unconformity is a surface within a sequence of layers of sedimentary rock where rock deposition ceased, and erosion removed some previously formed layers before deposition resumed. Unconformities are significant in stratigraphy for understanding geological time gaps, the history of sedimentary basins, and tectonic events.

Diagram showing four types of geologic unconformities (disconformity, nonconformity, paraconformity, angular unconformity)
Fig. 1 Diagram showing four types of geologic unconformities (disconformity, nonconformity, paraconformity, angular unconformity)

Source Miall, A. D. (1997). “The Geology of Stratigraphic Sequences.” Springer.

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