ClimateAugust 13, 2026

stratigraphic

strat-uh-GRAF-ik

Definition

Relating to the layering of sedimentary deposits or geological strata, used here to describe a site with a continuous, chronological sequence of fossils.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'stratum' (layer) and the Greek 'graphikos' (writing/description). It entered English in the 19th century to describe the study of rock layers.

In the news

The article describes Seymour Island as having a 'stratigraphically continuous' record, meaning the fossils there are found in clear, orderly layers that allow scientists to track climate changes over millions of years.

Ancient Penguin Fossils Offer New Window Into Antarctica's Changing Climate | Newswise

Read the full article ↗

Newswise

Related words

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.