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National Geologic Map Database

An outlet to formally document and publish changes in stratigraphic nomenclature intended to be later used in reports and geologic maps. We welcome papers from all authors, especially from the USGS, State Geological Surveys funded by the STATEMAP component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, and academicians funded by the EDMAP component.

NOTE: Volume 1 has been published!

Guidance for Authors

  • Suggestions for Proposing Changes in Nomenclature in Papers Submitted to "Stratigraphic Notes" (in Stratigraphic Notes, v.1)
  • Guidance on Geologic Names Usage for Authors and Peer Reviewers of Geologic Maps and Reports - A Primer on Stratigraphic Nomenclature (in Stratigraphic Notes, v.1)
  • Webinar "Geologic Names and Usage: A Guide to Stratigraphic Nomenclature" at AGI site (also on YouTube)
  • North American Stratigraphic Code (NACSN, 2021)
  • Divisions of Geologic Time - Major Chronostratigraphic and Geochronologic Units (in Stratigraphic Notes, v.1)
  • Please note that two peer reviewers and agency or institution approval are required.
Examples of Appropriate Types of Papers and Charts

  • Naming and revising formal geologic units
  • Dilemmas and proposed solutions (e.g., Witkind and Hardy, 1984)
  • Geochronology studies (e.g., McKee and others, 1993).
  • Correlation charts, biozone charts, with accompanying text
  • Stratigraphy of a specific area
Links to "Stratigraphic Notes" in USGS Professional Paper 1879  (2022-present)

Volume (year addressed) Downloads
Vol. 1 (2022) Document  |  Chapters (A-E)
Links to "Stratigraphic Notes" in the USGS Bulletin series  (1980-1994)

Year addressed by publication USGS Publication
1994 U.S. Geological Survey, 1995, USGS Bulletin 2153, 28 p.
1993 U.S. Geological Survey, 1994, USGS Bulletin 2076, 27 p.
1992 U.S. Geological Survey, 1994, USGS Bulletin 2060, 33 p., 4 pls.
1989-90 U.S. Geological Survey, 1991, USGS Bulletin 1935, 40 p.
1985-86 U.S. Geological Survey, 1987, USGS Bulletin 1775-A, 26 p.
1984 U.S. Geological Survey, 1985, USGS Bulletin 1605-A, 78 p.
1983 U.S. Geological Survey, 1984, USGS Bulletin 1537-A, 83 p.
1980-82 U.S. Geological Survey, 1982, USGS Bulletin 1529-H, 148 p.
Background

For several decades until the mid 1990's, the USGS published volumes of short papers to support stratigraphic studies, changes in stratigraphic nomenclature, and explanation of stratigraphic names and concepts used on published geologic maps. The purpose was to encourage formal documentation on these topics. This has become especially important as many field trip guidebooks and open-file reports use new or updated nomenclature that cannot be referenced as authoritative because the North American Stratigraphic Code does not recognize these as formal publications (see Article 4 of the Code). "Stratigraphic Notes" is an outlet to formally document and publish changes in stratigraphic nomenclature intended to be later used in reports and geologic maps.

As USGS and State Geological Surveys endeavor to reconcile stratigraphic changes across state, quadrangle, and other boundaries, Stratigraphic Notes also will serve as a clearinghouse for updating nomenclature to be included in the USGS National Geologic Map Database's (NGMDB) geologic names lexicon, Geolex. Many issues related to "border faults" between maps are real -- stratigraphy does change laterally because of facies changes, changes in sedimentation related to tectonics and sea level, and changes in paleoenvironments and climate. Papers in Stratigraphic Notes can provide discussions of these interpretations as they impact nomenclature.

We welcome papers from all authors, especially from the USGS, State Geological Surveys funded by the STATEMAP component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, and academicians funded by the EDMAP component.

Questions? Please contact the editors.