Basin Stratigraphic Correlation

Amy Weislogel
West Virginia University, Department of Geology and Geography

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Initial Publication Date: May 21, 2026
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Summary

This lab activity allows students to examine a basin-scale simulation of Appalachian stratigraphy and examine the variation in strata represented in drill cores that would result across the basin. Students use this information to consider the processes involved in forming a sedimentary basin, such as surface subsidence. It would serve as the first introduction to the concept of sedimentary basins in an Earth science majors course.

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Learning Goals

Students will:

  • Develop geologic map reading skills
  • Practice basic lithostratigraphic correlation
  • Infer basin sedimentation history
  • Create a basin model

Context for Use

This activity is used as a lab or class activity in an undergraduate stratigraphy course. It should take a full lab session. Students do not need technical skills to complete the lab. There is pre-lab reading assignment from two sections of an online Historical Geology textbook.

Description and Teaching Materials

This is a lab activity that can serve as an introduction to sedimentary basins. There is a pre-lab activity with links to reading assignments. Students will use the 3D Visible Geology web-based application to help develop geologic map reading skills and implications for subsurface distribution of sedimentary strata in basins. They will practice basic lithostratigraphic correlation with cores produced from a block model of the Appalachian basin in the Visible Geology web-based application. They will then attempt to create a similar basin model for the Illinois basin based on the map pattern and criteria provided and generate representative sedimentary cores for correlation using Visible Geology.

Visible Geology teaching activity_basin_correlation.docx (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 7.4MB May15 26)

Visible Geology Teaching Activity - Basin Correlation.pdf (Acrobat (PDF) 854kB May15 26)

Teaching Notes and Tips

  • Students should be provided some time to familiarize themselves with the Visible Geology web-based application either through prior use in class, through watching the tutorials on YouTube or with instructor support.
  • To save and share their work in Visible Geology, students are encouraged to log in with their Google Account.
  • To access the pre-made model of the Appalachian basin, students will need to login.

Assessment

The lab activity includes assessment criteria connected to the learning goals:

LEARNING GOAL ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
  • Develop geologic map reading skills
  • Can relate spatial geometries of sedimentary strata to geologic map patterns
  • Practice basic lithostratigraphic correlation
  • Produce a lithologic correlation model using core information
  • Infer basin sedimentation history
  • Uses stratigraphic information to produce an explanation of where and why sediment accumulations form
  • Create a valid basin model
  • Basin model honors all constraints provided by the assignment and of the geologic map pattern

References and Resources