THE STOLEN SEQUENCE

Abstract

The term ‘sequence’ was developed in stratigraphy during the forties, but the definition was fairly vague and unpractical. A much clearer and practically applicable (but diverging) definition was developed in sedimentology during the sixties and became generally applied in the seventies. Its specific meaning was well defined, but it became increasingly loosely used in the course of time. Later, the term came back in earth-science literature with a different meaning, as part of the term ‘sequence stratigraphy’. Many sedimentologists working with depositional models used—and use—the term, however, still in the original sense. The term now consequently has two meanings. This is even more unfortunate because the context in a publication does not often reveal how the term is used at a specific place.The history of the term ‘sequence’ is a good example of how meanings may change. Science can only proceed, however, if texts are unambiguous. Authors, editors and publishers should therefore pay more attention to proper use of terms. It should also be realised, however, that it remains the responsibility of scientists themselves to guard against improper terminology and ambiguous writing.