Background:
Currently, the state of Oklahoma does not have an official guide or chart showing the formally accepted positioning, classification, and nomenclature of stratigraphic units in Oklahoma. Therefore, the Oklahoma Geological Survey (OGS) intends to create an Oklahoma Stratigraphic Nomenclature Committee to reconcile existing nomenclature issues, review proposed changes, and create an up-to-date stratigraphic guide and chart for the state of Oklahoma. All resulting publications will be available on the Oklahoma Geological Survey’s website.
Charter:
In recognition of the need for a formal stratigraphic guide and chart of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Geological Survey has created the Oklahoma Stratigraphic Nomenclature Committee to address stratigraphic issues throughout the state.
The purpose of the Oklahoma Stratigraphic Nomenclature Committee is to:
- Continuously review, update, and standardize the stratigraphic nomenclature for Oklahoma. Tasks include (1) reviewing existing stratigraphic designations, problems, and proposed changes in stratigraphic positioning, classification, and naming of stratigraphic units in Oklahoma; (2) advising the Oklahoma Geological Survey about appropriate use of stratigraphic nomenclature; and (3) formulating judgments and, when appropriate, producing peer-reviewed publications that revise and update stratigraphic issues and nomenclature for Oklahoma.
- Develop and publish formal stratigraphic guides and charts for each geologic province in Oklahoma.
- Create a Lexicon of Geologic Names of Oklahoma after the formal stratigraphic guides and charts have been published.
The Committee's work will be based on these principles:
- As no formal stratigraphic guide and chart is available for the state of Oklahoma, the committee will use relevant OGS publications as a starting point for the stratigraphic guide.
- Analysis and decisions concerning stratigraphic nomenclature in Oklahoma will follow the North American Code of Stratigraphic Nomenclature (2005) and any subsequent revisions.
- The Committee will adopt the decisions of The International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS), a scientific body of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), as they apply to Oklahoma.
- The Committee may solicit input from geoscientists within and outside the Oklahoma Geological Survey who are knowledgeable about specific stratigraphic intervals or issues. New committee members will be nominated by a majority of active committee members and approved by the State Geologist.
- The committee will consist of OGS geoscientists and must have at least three members.
- The Committee will be the official arbiter of stratigraphic nomenclature and issues in Oklahoma; committee decisions are final, subject to review by the State Geologist.
For more information, please contact: Dr. Tom Stanley.
