Stratigraphy and ESK

Stratigraphy (from Latin stratum + Greek graphia) is a branch of geology, which studies rocks and sediments forming the Earth′s crust,  organizing them into distinctive units in order to establish their distribution and relationship in space and their succession in time. Stratigraphical knowledge is best expressed by geologic time scales and correlation charts that are essential for interpreting geological history, for geological mapping, mineral prospecting and various other fields of Earth Sciences. Internationally, stratigraphical nomenclature and terminology is managed by the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS).

Estonian Commission on Stratigraphy (ESK, Eesti Stratigraafia Komisjon) is a national body of experts in stratigraphy, affiliated with the Geological Society of Estonia. The aim of the Commission is to support stratigraphical service and co-ordinate stratigraphical studies in Estonia. Stratigraphical service includes establishment and/or approval of formal stratigraphic units, compilation on stratigraphical schemes and correlation charts, advancment of corresponding terminology and providing expertise for scientists, applied geologists and general public.

On Oct 10, 2025, the Commission was affirmed effective for three years:

• Tõnu Meidla (esimees, Tartu Ülikool)
  Olle Hints (Tallinna Tehnikaülikool)
  Tavo Ani (Eesti Geoloogiteenistus)
  Tiit Hang (Tartu Ülikool)
  Tõnn Paiste (Tartu Ülikool)
  Andres Marandi (Eesti Geoloogiteenistus)
  Peep Männik (Tallinna Tehnikaülikool)
  Kuldev Ploom (Eesti Geoloogiteenistus)
  Alvar Soesoo (Eesti Geoloogiteenistus,  Tallinna Tehnikaülikool)
  Ursula Toom (Tallinna Tehnikaülikool)
  Leho Ainsaar (Tartu Ülikool)
  Siim Veski (Tallinna Tehnikaülikool)
  Tõnu Meidla (Chair, Tartu University)
• Olle Hints (Tallinn University of Technology)
• Tavo Ani (Geological Survey of Estonia)
• Tiit Hang (Tartu University)
• Tõnn Paiste (Tartu University)
• Andres Marandi (Geological Survey of Estonia)
• Peep Männik (Tallinn University of Technology)
• Kuldev Ploom
• Alvar Soesoo (Geological Survey of Estonia, Tartu University, Tallinn University of Technology)
• Ursula Toom (Tallinn University of Technology)
• Leho Ainsaar (Tartu University)
• Siim Veski (Tallinn University of Technology)