1. n. [Geology]

A cessation in deposition of sediments during which no strata form or an erosional surface forms on the underlying strata; a gap in the rock record. This period might be marked by development of a lithified sediment (hardground) or burrowed surface characteristic of periods when sea level was relatively low. A disconformity can result from a hiatus.

See related terms: conformable,  conformable,  disconformity,  eustasy,  hardground,  hiatal,  lithification,  sediment,  sequence stratigraphy,  stratum,  unconformity