Arbitrary Quote by D. V. Ager
“Let us make an arbitrary decision (by a show of hands if necessary) to define the base of every stratigraphical unit in a selected section. This may be called the "Principle of the Golden Spike." Then stratigraphical nomenclature can be forgotten and we can get on with the real work of stratigraphy, which is correlation and interpretation.”
About This Quote
Source Paper: Principles of Stratigraphic Nomenclature, 1975
A practical rule to fix a reference point (the Golden Spike) so stratigraphic units can be compared across sections, freeing geologists to focus on correlation and interpretation.
In simple terms: Define a reference point to simplify comparisons and focus on analysis.
Key Takeaway
Use a fixed marker to streamline work.
Themes
geology
standardization
correlation
interpretation
Mood
analytical
practical
Type
technical
educational
When to use this quote
- field mapping
- regional correlation
- educational teaching
- research planning
Key Concepts
stratigraphy
chronostratigraphy
geologic time scale
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a Golden Spike improve data consistency?
- When might flexibility be needed over a fixed point?
A Different Perspective
Choosing a single point may oversimplify complex stratigraphic relationships.
![“Wherefore no name can be found for a new fossil [element] which indicates its peculiar and characteristic properties (in which position I find myself at present), I think it is best to choose such a denomination as means nothing of itself and thus can give no rise to any erroneous ideas. In…” quote by Martin Heinrich Klaproth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a19/martin-heinrich-klaproth-72236_cases_wherefore-no-name-can-be-found-for-a-new_432955.jpg)
![“One [idea] was that the Universe started its life a finite time ago in a single huge explosion, and that the present expansion is a relic of the violence of this explosion. This big bang idea seemed to me to be unsatisfactory even before detailed examination showed that it leads to serious…” quote by Fred Hoyle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6ef/fred-hoyle-11367_bangs_one-idea-was-that-the-universe-started-i_184196.jpg)
