Final answer:
Stratigraphic hierarchy categorizes rock layers, with 'formation' being a key unit defined by lithologic characteristics. Formations build into groups and supergroups, and their arrangement reflects the Earth's geological history.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sequence of terms 'Supergroup, group, formation, member, bed, flow' represents the Stratigraphic hierarchy used in geology to categorize the layers of rock formations. Geologists use stratigraphy to study these rock strata and their relationship to geologic time. A formation is defined as a fundamental geological unit with distinctive characteristics such as lithology, color, mineralogy, and grain size. Formations may vary in terms of the time they represent and can have breaks in deposition. A group may consist of several formations, and a supergroup comprises multiple groups. The International Commission of Stratigraphy sets guidelines for defining these units to ensure consistency across geological studies.
In the context of the stratigraphic hierarchy, a bed is a single layer of rock, while a flow refers to the solidified layer of lava from a volcanic eruption. The geologic time scale is a system used by geologists to chronologically correlate geological strata with time. The arrangement of these stratigraphic units reflects the sequence of geological events, such as sedimentation, volcanic activity, and tectonic movements, helping geologists to reconstruct the Earth's history.