Lithostratigraphy is a branch of geology that focuses on the study and classification of rock layers, or strata, based on their physical and mineralogical characteristics. It helps geologists understand the distribution, composition, and age of sedimentary and volcanic rocks. By examining these layers, scientists can reconstruct the geological history of an area and identify the processes that formed the Earth's crust. This discipline is essential for various applications, including petroleum exploration, environmental geology, and archaeology. Lithostratigraphic units, such as formations and members, are defined by distinct rock types and are used to correlate geological features across different regions. This correlation aids in understanding regional geology and resource management.