A MODERNIZED STRATIGRAPHIC FRAMEWORK: REVISING AND RECONCILING STRATIGRAPHY ACROSS PENNSYLVANIA

The most recent comprehensive stratigraphic framework produced by the Pennsylvania Geological Survey (PaGS) was released 40 years ago with the publication of the Stratigraphic Correlation Chart of Pennsylvania (Berg and others, 1983). Since then, our understanding of the stratigraphic framework of Pennsylvania and has evolved and has been documented in a variety of maps and reports but has not been consolidated into a cohesive document. This wide dispersal of information, at best, can hamper regional map compilation. At worst, it confuses our understanding of the geologic history and character of natural resource systems important to Pennsylvania’s human and economic health. Through the use of the Pennsylvania Geological Survey’s publications and other references, survey staff interviews, and input from subject matter experts (via our stratigraphic forum series), we begin the initial stages of stratigraphic reconciliation and compilation for the state of Pennsylvania. The initial stage of this process involved an extensive literature review of all geologic units that have been referenced in PaGS publications. This review revealed past inconsistencies that had yet to be resolved and current inconsistencies that had yet to be discovered. Following an internal review of these conflicts, feedback from the geologic community is sought. Through this continuous open discussion with professionals throughout the community, fostered by the PaGS Stratigraphic Forum Series, we address inconsistencies in nomenclature and correlation across the Commonwealth. Questions with quick resolutions are addressed, and solutions for more challenging stratigraphic conflicts are obtained, though some questions leave us at a crossroads and requiring further investigation. These results will guide upcoming research at the PaGS and within the community. Modernizing the stratigraphic framework of Pennsylvania and condensing this information into a single, comprehensive format is imperative. Ultimately, it will enable consistency in geologic units across the state, facilitate communication of geologic information, ease stratigraphic reconciliation with neighboring states, and enable future map compilation.