Sedimentary rock that has been formed through the deposition and solidification of sediment transported by water, ice, and wind is usually deposited in layers. The geological properties of these layers depend upon a number of forces such as tectonics, sea level, sediment supply, physical and biological processes of sediment transport and deposition, and climate. The result of these forces and interactions yield what is known as a geometric arrangement, making up the stratigraphic architecture of an area. The arrangement or internal anatomy of the sediment bodies within the architecture is identified through lithofacies analysis and the interpretation of the depositional environments.

Gathering and interpreting this information is a critical component in the work of oil and gas, groundwater, and mineral and geothermal exploration (as well as being a significant share of environmental and geotechnical study).