Micro Fossil Correlation


Within the stratigraphy sections, studied changes in microfossils dictate changes in the environment. Rapid changes in fauna dicates rapid changes in habitat environments which corresponds to rapid changes in the sealevel.








Whether there is uplift or subsidence, the appearance or dissappearance of microfossils can be used to find changes in the environment whether or not they are rapid or gradual.



These specimens belong to different types of environments. These specimens were collected within one strata column and occupied different areas within the column. The changes within the fauna show that over time the environments had changed. With these specimens scientists found that the enviroment changed from a low marsh to a high marsh environment, thus indicating a drop in sea level. Abrupt changes in microfossil type also show that the sea level changed quite rapidly.

Along with other approaches such as pollen, plant remains and diatom studies a scientist can determine relative or gradual sea level rises and falls or rapid rises or falls not associated with global sea level changes. These rapid changes are inciative of major seismic activities. Dating of the organic portions of the strata through Carbon 12 dating as well as others scientists can determine the dates of past earthquakes. And withis dating of the events scientists can in turn determine the relative frequency of such earthquakes.

Potential Risk.

Cascadia Subduction Zone.

Stratigraphy and how it is used.

How big and how long from now?

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