ASBOG Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Preparation Guide

A type section is defined as a well-documented reference site that serves as a representative example of a particular geological formation. This site is crucial in geology because it provides standard characteristics, such as rock types, stratigraphy, and fossil content that can be used for comparison and classification of similar geological formations elsewhere. By designating a type section, geologists create a point of reference that enhances the understanding of geological formations and facilitates communication within the scientific community.

This reference site typically includes detailed descriptions of the rocks, their relationships, and their contexts, making it a vital tool for research and education. It allows geologists to reliably identify and correlate rock units across different regions based on the qualities observed in the type section. This concept is essential when discussing geological maps, stratigraphic columns, and the nomenclature of geological formations.