Orogenesis: Cause of Sedimentary Formations

Abstract

Experiments on stratification discussed here have revealed the mechanical nature of lamination as well as the role of turbulent current as agent of stratification. They challenge Steno’s principle that superposed strata are successive sedimentary layers. They show that relative chronology should not be referred to as “stages” but as “sequences” of series. The rock formation studie d by Lalomov show s that the duration of sedimentation could be considerably shorter than indicated by the Geological Time Scale. The latter scale corresponds to large marine transgressions and regressions that can result from the shift of polar axis following such major orogeneses as the Caledonian, Hercynian and Alpine.