Some creationist presentations include claims about "polystrate fossils". The term, which is not a geological term, is used by creationists to describe fossils that intersect several rock beds, usually in sedimentary rocks. However, "polystrate" tree fossils were not problematic for conventional geologists of the 19th century, nor are they a problem for 20th century geologists.

As evidence for a global flood, some creationists and catastrophists have pointed to the strange tale of a fossil whale from California that was found buried "in a vertical position" and intersecting several rock layers. Investigation of the tale revealed that it was mostly false.