Autochthon (geology)
Anautochthoninstructural geologyis a large block or mass of rock which is in the place of its original formation relative to itsbasementor foundation rock. The word is derived from Greek:autosmeans self, andchthonmeans earth.
It can be described as rooted to its basement rock as opposed to anallochthonousblock ornappewhich has been relocated from its site of formation.[1]Autochthonoussedimentis sediment found at or very close to its site of deposition.
While an autochthon may have experienced some minor shifting, an allochthonous block will have moved at least a few kilometres.[2][3]If an overlying allochthon has an opening or hole which exposes the underlying autochthonous material, the hole is called awindowor fenster.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^Dictionary of Geological Terms: Third Edition,p. 35, atGoogle BooksISBN9780385181013
- ^Howell, J.V. (Editor) 1960:Glossary of geology and related sciences.American Geological Institute, Washington D.C., 325 p.
- ^Marko, F., Jacko, S., 1999:Structural geology (General and systematic).Archived2011-07-19 at theWayback MachineISBN80-88896-36-3Vydavateľstvo Harlequin, Košice, p. 81 - 93(in Slovak)
External links
[edit]
The dictionary definition ofautochthonat Wiktionary
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