FACIES,GENETIC TYPES,AND FORMATIONS

Interrelations of facies, genetic types, and formations are discussed. Fades is defined as geologic bodies represented by one or more rocks formed in a single physico-geographical environment different from that of the adjacent contemporaneous rocks. Genetic types are considered a geologic body representing a complex of genetically related facies originating in the same environment and mostly as the effect of a single leading process. A formation is a geologic unit representing a complex of genetic depositional types closely related and formed in the same tectonic and chromatic environment. Specific examples are presented to better classify the treatment of those controversial problems of nomenclature. --L.M. LeRoy.