Gama, E.2014-05-272014-05-271989-12-01Geociencias, v. 8, p. 1-9.0101-9082http://hdl.handle.net/11449/63944This article is the first part of an overall theme dealing with different stratigraphic approaches to basin analysis. The traditional stratigraphy, based on formal units, is discussed here with an attempt to analyse their principles, methods and purposes. Using the Permian carboniferous sequence of Parana Basin as a paradigm, some critical inferences concerning the limitations of such an approach in environmental reconstruction are attained. -English summary1-9porbasin analysisCarboniferousPermianstratigraphyBrazil, Parana BasinArtigoAcesso restrito2-s2.0-0024880418