What is the conceptual difference between Geological Map and Stratigraphic Map?
The geological map shows the distribution of the formations and their contact ( different kinds of rocks and faults).
There are three major types of maps they use: topographic, cross-sectional, and structural.
A structural map shows the geologic features of an area. Its appearance is similar to that of a topographic map, but a topographic map displays elevations of the Earth's surface and a structure map displays the elevation of a particular rock layer, generally beneath the surface. a geologic map shows the distribution of geologic features, including different kinds of rocks and faults.Rock units or geologic strata are shown by color or symbols to indicate where they are exposed at the surface. Isopach maps detail the variations in thickness of stratigraphic units.
A cross-sectional map shows the cross-section from the side.
So you can't talk about stratigraphic maps, but rather structural maps at different stratigraphic levels,
Hi Leonidas!
Conceptually, a geologic map is a more accurate representation of the true geographic context and geological nature of a given region, while a stratigraphic map is more general and more simply and compactly depicts the sequence of the stratigraphy including each formation, thickness, and age.
More specifically:
A geological map consists of a plan view (overhead) of a planetary surface region that contains the geographic distribution of formations (bedrock vs. alluvium), the contact between formations, and relevant structural geology indicators at the surface. Sometimes a geologic map is complemented by geologic cross sections which give you a side view of the subsurface.
A stratigraphic map, also known as a stratigraphic column, is a concise visual representation that describes the vertical (temporal) arrangement of rock units in a particular area. Typically, a stratigraphic column shows a sequence of sedimentary rocks, with the oldest rocks on the bottom and the youngest on top. These are not strictly sedimentary maps, but can consist of any geology.
Dear Dr. Pazar
A 2D map can be called a stratigraphic map?
Regards
A 2D map can be called a stratigraphic map?// is possible
But a stratigraphic map is generaly look like a vertical profil giving different strates in a certains distance of a selected place in the Geological map. while the Geological map only give the nature of the first strate (rock )
The geological map shows the distribution of the formations and their contact ( different kinds of rocks and faults).
There are three major types of maps they use: topographic, cross-sectional, and structural.
A structural map shows the geologic features of an area. Its appearance is similar to that of a topographic map, but a topographic map displays elevations of the Earth's surface and a structure map displays the elevation of a particular rock layer, generally beneath the surface. a geologic map shows the distribution of geologic features, including different kinds of rocks and faults.Rock units or geologic strata are shown by color or symbols to indicate where they are exposed at the surface. Isopach maps detail the variations in thickness of stratigraphic units.
A cross-sectional map shows the cross-section from the side.
So you can't talk about stratigraphic maps, but rather structural maps at different stratigraphic levels,
Geological map shows the rock types and their distribution, thickness and so on but the stratigraphic map shows the types of formations, units, types of fossils ........Also you can insert the stratigraphic units into the geological settings
Geological map will have general information base on geological systems, for general view. Stratigraphic map it's for details base on stratigraphy shown formation frequently for small sector.
Dear Leônidas Luiz Volcato Descovi Filho,
You have gotten excellent response from the before responders… I am referring now only to the next… Only seems that they have forgotten mention that the stratigraphical map can be used only in case of sedimentary rocks… So the geological map is a general map of a studied territory when the stratigraphical map is a result of the differentiated study of the analyzed area… Onto base, we can make determine the evolution of studied area (relation between different type of formation observed onto the geological map)…
The Classical geology showed essential importance to the study of stratigraphy (making a stratigraphical map), but nowadays introduction absolute time’s determination with help of radioactive elements decays reduced stratigraphic search (stratigraphic map)… A good geologist is a poor geologist if he does not have basic knowledge of stratigraphy!
Regards,
Laszlo
A geological map shows distribution of stratigraphic units (mainly formations) of all kinds of rocks (igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic) and their contacts with the adjacent stratigraphic units (as exposed on the surface). It may also show faults and other structures along with dip angle with dip and strike direction, etc. The various stratigraphic units are shown by different symbols or colors in order to differentiate them from each other.
Stratigraphical (or stratigraphic) map is an informal term used for vertical arrangement (vertical stratigraphic column or profile) of mainly sedimentary strata. It shows various strata developed in the studied area showing their order of superposition (oldest at the bottom and youngest at the top), lithology, thickness, age, etc. It may also show sedimentary structures, fossil bearing beds and stratigraphic positions of rock samples or of fossils collected from the area. Such columns are also used for showing vertical distribution of fossils (mainly microfossils) in biostragraphic zonation.
A Block Diagram (sometimes even of a very large area) depicts both: 1. Distribution of the exposed rock formations and their contacts with the adjacent formations on the top of the block; and 2. Vertical stratigraphic column on the sides of the block.
I think there are many types of geologic maps, depending on what the map units represent. For example, a stratigraphic map would emphasize the distribution of formally defined stratigraphic units (or informally named units). A structural map would emphasize the distribution of structural features, such as folds, faults, foliations, lineations, etc. A lithologic map would emphasize the distribution of rock types. An alteration map would emphasize the distribution of alteration products (such as metamorphic, or hydrothermal alteration minerals, or mineral assemblages. A litho-stratigraphic map would show the distribution of rock types in the context of a stratigraphic succession, which may or may not be tied to formal stratigraphic units (This is a useful type of map in places where stratigraphic correlations and nomenclature are controversial). A litho-tectonic map would emphasize general lithologic and structural features of regional scale. These are examples of different types of geologic maps. There also are many other types of geologic maps, such as isopach maps, showing variations in thickness of some stratigraphic unit, lithofacies maps, structure-contour maps, etc. Any of these can be combined on a geologic map, which also can be combined with geochemical, or geophysical information, either on the same map, or on overlays, or in different layers within a Geographic Information System).
Great answers I cannot agree more to László Attila Horváth ; essentially a stratigraphic map establishes the sequence of rocks units in sedimentary formations occurring in space and time whiles a geological map depicts the general distribution of rock formations we choose to consider.
Dear Dr. Aduse-Poku,
Congratulation, to your short, meaningful and direct response to the question!… Congratulation same to your country economy which had a GDP grow 8.3% in 2018 (Ghana being the fastest growing economy of Earth.)…
Now come back to your comment: to the next sentence ’Great answers I cannot agree more to László Attila Horváth’… -You have made a devaluing statement about my response, but you have forgotten to say: why?
My comment was not a direct response to the question, because before responder written down my opinion, so the intention was to give attention to the importance of stratigraphy…
That is why I would like to get an explaining from you, such clear mode as you made in the before maid comment, why you do not agree with me! I would like to correct my knowledge…
Regards,
Laszlo
A geological map cannot prescind from the stratigraphic aspects. The legend of a geological map has to have the lithobiostratigraphic description, thickness and age of the exposed stratigraphic units. Furthermore, the geological cross sections have not only to show the 2D reconstruction of the “in-depth” geology, but also to evaluate the geometries of sedimentary bodies. Al geological maps might have a stratigraphic scheme. As a result, the geological map is the sum of all the mappable field features, including the stratigraphic aspects.
This is regarding the question asked by Leônidas Luiz Volcato Descovi Filho: Geological Map or Stratigraphic Map?
I read views expressed by several learned scientists on the above question. All the answers add something to our knowledge. I also read the excellent answer by László Attila Horváth and also Emmanuel Aduse-Poku’s response on that starting with: “Great answers I cannot agree more to László Attila Horváth” I find that Emmanuel Aduse-Poku’s response caused some issue (please see László Attila Horváth second answer).
“I cannot agree more” can be understood in two ways: 1. “I cannot share your ideas on this matter”; and 2. “I so fully agree with you that agreeing more is not possible.
Usage of this phrase: 1. “Can't/couldn't agree more" (not "any more") is an English idiomatic turn of phrase that means "agreeing fully."
2. Think of yourself agreeing 100% already, so it is impossible to agree even more than that-couldn't agree more. It doesn't mean to disagree.
I think that Emmanuel Aduse-Poku should come forward to straighten the matter.
geological map shows formation and distribution and types of rocks and structures like faults,folds and joints details
strata means layers of rocks so Stratigraphic Map shows layers of rocks information only
Dear Leônidas,
Hope you are doing well.
Geological maps are general maps containing all geological features including rock types, faults, foldings, volcanoes, and even the dip and slope of layers. These maps always show surficial outcrops and all rock types.
Stratigraphic columns show vertical distribution of strata. Stratigraphic columns are mostly used in sedimentary basin related studies but it can include igneous and metamorphic units which may be surrounded by sedimentary strata.
Regards,
Rahim
Simply, it's just a taxonomic issue. A Geological Map is a class of map of which a Stratigraphic Map is a member.
Dear Dr Stephen Craven,
So short and so simple and everything is explained. What an answer!!!! Thank you so much.
Dear László Attila Horváth : my idiom ''I cannot agree more'' was meant to be
''I couldn't agree more'' to indicate how I completely agree with your answer. In fact, I built mine on the foundations of your lucid yet simplified version.
Sorry if your intellect was ridiculed@; I completely agree with you Sir!
Best regards.
Dear Emmanuel Aduse-Poku
Very nice that you came forward and clarified. I appreciate your answers. Just keep it up.
My best wishes for you.
Dear ALL Contributing Scientists!
I am very pleased with the scientific content of the answers to this question. I feel contemplated and learning much more from each of my beloved fellow geologists and masters.
It exceeded my expectations. I am grateful to each contributing scientist. And expecting more contributions, they are always possible.
Best Regards
If stratigraphy is an aspect of geology that emphasizes the succession of rocks in time, and if geological information is built on the principles of stratigraphy, then a stratigraphic map is a geological map. But since geology has branches other than stratigraphy, a geological map will include more information but in addition to stratigraphy which it cannot do away with. Stratigraphy is the bedrock of Geology.
Obianuju P. Umeji
Agreed with Mr. Rahim's answer.
Geological maps are general maps depicting distribution of rock strata, structural data etc, while Stratigraphic plan views are expected to indicate sub-surface layers and would be depending upon data pertaining to vertical distribution of strata, which in turn would be depending upon bore hole data etc.
Best,
AK
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