Marine flooding surfaces are a fundamental concept in
sequence stratigraphy
In mathematics, a sequence is an enumerated collection of mathematical object, objects in which repetitions are allowed and order theory, order matters. Like a Set (mathematics), set, it contains Element (mathematics), members (also called ''ele ...
, where they form the limiting surfaces of
parasequences.
A marine flooding surfaces is defined as a sharp contact that separates overlying younger
strata
In geology and related fields, a stratum (: strata) is a layer of Rock (geology), rock or sediment characterized by certain Lithology, lithologic properties or attributes that distinguish it from adjacent layers from which it is separated by v ...
with deep-water
facies
In geology, a facies ( , ; same pronunciation and spelling in the plural) is a body of rock with distinctive characteristics. The characteristics can be any observable attribute of rocks (such as their overall appearance, composition, or con ...
from underlying older strata with shallow-water facies.
Therefore, marine flooding surfaces indicate a deepening and can display signs of
erosion
Erosion is the action of surface processes (such as Surface runoff, water flow or wind) that removes soil, Rock (geology), rock, or dissolved material from one location on the Earth's crust#Crust, Earth's crust and then sediment transport, tran ...
and/or nondeposition resulting in a
hiatus or break in the sedimentary record.
References
Sequence stratigraphy
Sedimentology
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