Sequence Stratigraphy as a “Concrete” Stratigraphic - SEPM Strata

Guide and NACSN Code, it must adhere to this principle and avoid the use of
theoretically-generated, but empirically unrecognizable, surfaces.
The deductive or model-driven approach involves the generation of a sequence
stratigraphic model based on various a priori input parameters such as rates of sediment
supply and base level change. The model then yields a result which predicts the
occurrence of various sequence stratigraphic surfaces and units. As noted by Miall
(2004), those who follow such a model-driven approach tend to ignore data which
doesn’t fit the model or, at best, to “shoehorn” collected data into the model. The model
remains inviolate regardless of subsequent empirical observations.
When it comes to models, our approach is to formulate an inductive model based on
empirical observations and to be constantly refining such a model as more data are
collected. In this regard, it is most important that the input parameters such as the nature
of base level changes be as actualistic as possible. Deductions from such an inductive
model can be very useful for guiding observations, for making reasonable interpretations
of observed entities and for maximizing the predictive power of sequence stratigraphy.
Throughout the historical summary, we will refer each major contribution to sequence
stratigraphy to one of the two approaches. When we discuss the various surfaces and
units of sequence stratigraphy, we will assign the origin of each to either a data-driven
approach or a model-driven approach. In this way, it will become clear how such a unit or
surface was defined and what support there is for its use in sequence stratigraphy. We
must record that all of us have enjoyed many field seasons and have measured countless
stratigraphic sections. Thus we are strong empiricists. Our approach to sequence
stratigraphy is one that is driven by our personal observations and those of others as well
as by our attempts to observe and correlate various surfaces which have been defined
through both the data-driven and the model-driven approaches.
The Historical Development of Sequence Stratigraphy
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