Word
stratigraphy
Phoneticsstratig·ra·phy
UK/stɹætˈɪɡɹəfi/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the study of layers of rock and soil under the ground. It helps scientists tell how old things are by looking at which layer they are in.
n. a branch of geology concerned with the order, composition, and age of layered rocks and sediments. Relies on the principle of superposition to establish relative chronology across sites.
Examples
“Scientists use stratigraphy to date ancient tools.”
“The archaeologists study the stratigraphy of the trench to see which burial layer is older.”
“By correlating the stratigraphy of coastal cliffs with deep-sea cores, researchers reconstructed sea-level changes that spanned several glacial cycles.”
Examples
simple
“Scientists use stratigraphy to date ancient tools.”
contextual
“The archaeologists study the stratigraphy of the trench to see which burial layer is older.”
complex
“By correlating the stratigraphy of coastal cliffs with deep-sea cores, researchers reconstructed sea-level changes that spanned several glacial cycles.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “stratigraphy” in context.
Verb
01. correlate stratigraphy
“Researchers correlated the stratigraphy with ice-core climate records.”
verb + noun
02. establish stratigraphy
“The team established the stratigraphy using core samples and dating.”
verb + noun
03. examine stratigraphy
“Engineers examined the stratigraphy before tunnelling under the city.”
verb + noun
04. interpret stratigraphy
“Specialists interpreted the stratigraphy to reconstruct past sea levels.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. archaeological stratigraphy
“Archaeological stratigraphy showed three distinct phases of settlement.”
adj + noun
06. complex stratigraphy
“The cliff face exposed complex stratigraphy formed over millions of years.”
adj + noun
07. detailed stratigraphy
“The excavation report included detailed stratigraphy of the river valley deposits.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. analysis of stratigraphy
“Analysis of stratigraphy placed the fossils in the late Jurassic.”
noun + prep + noun
09. based on seismic stratigraphy
“The model, based on seismic stratigraphy, predicts oil-bearing layers.”
10. disturb archaeological stratigraphy
“Construction work must not disturb archaeological stratigraphy at the site.”
11. establish regional stratigraphy
“The survey established regional stratigraphy for the entire sedimentary basin.”
12. interpret detailed stratigraphy
“Experts interpreted detailed stratigraphy to date the burial chamber.”
Etymology
From stratum + -graphy c. 1841–1865.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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