Why Geological Angular Unconformity Is Usually Horizontal: A Geometric Explanation

Authors

Julio C. Urenda, The University of Texas at El PasoFollow
Aaron Velasco, The University of Texas at El PasoFollow
Olga Kosheleva, The University of Texas at El PasoFollow
Vladik Kreinovich, The University of Texas at El PasoFollow

Publication Date

11-1-2024

Comments

Technical Report: UTEP-CS-24-53

Abstract

In several locations, geologists have observed the presence of two differently oriented rock masses, one horizonal (or almost horizontal) and the other somewhat inclined; this phenomenon is known as angular unconformity. Based on the detailed analysis of geophysical processes, geologists conclude that usually, horizontal rock masses are much newer. This is known as the law of original horizontality. From the fundamental viewpoint, it is desirable to take into account that geophysics is a developing science, its models get modified and adjusted as time progresses. It is therefore desirable to come up with an explanation of this phenomenon that would be maximally independent on any specifics of a geophysical model. In this paper, we show that the law of original horizontality can be derived by using only the general geometric symmetry ideas.