Sequence Stratigraphy of Late Paleozoic Cyclothems

Explore the intricacies of late Paleozoic cyclothems in this comprehensive lecture by Professor Christopher R. Fielding from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Delve into the composition and formation of cyclothems, stratal rhythms consisting of repetitive vertical successions of various rock types including sandstones, mudrocks, limestones, and coals. Examine the ongoing debate surrounding their formation, whether driven by external forces or autogenic processes. Learn how sequence stratigraphic methodology aids in understanding these enigmatic rhythms, allowing for identification and correlation of depositional sequences over vast distances. Discover the characteristics of cyclothem sequences, including their limited thickness, incomplete nature, and distinctive geometry. Gain insights into the preferred definition of cyclothems, emphasizing their formation on low-gradient pericontinental shelves in paleotropical regions as far-field products of Gondwanan glacial cycles. This lecture provides a deep dive into the complexities of cyclothem stratigraphy, offering valuable knowledge for sedimentologists and geologists studying late Paleozoic depositional environments.