Since the principle of multiple stratigraphic classification has been widely accepted by Chinese stratigraphers, various new Permian chronostratigraphic units have been proposed in China, and they need to be redefined...Since the principle of multiple stratigraphic classification has been widely accepted by Chinese stratigraphers, various new Permian chronostratigraphic units have been proposed in China, and they need to be redefined. The establishment of a new global chronostratigraphic scheme of the Permian, compilation of Permian lithostratigraphic units and updating of Permian biostratigraphic sequences of China makes it possible to present a revised regional chronostratigraphic succession for the Permian System in China. This succession consists of three series and eight stages. The Chuanshanian Series includes two stages, the Zisongian and the Longlinian; the Yanghsinian (Yangxinian) Series is subdivided into the Chihsian (Qixiaan) and the Maokouan Subseries, of which the former comprises the Luodianian and the Xiangboan Stage, and the latter the Kufengian (Gufengian) and the Lengwuan Stage; the Lopingian (Lepingian) Series includes the Wuchiapingian (Wujiapingian) and the Changhsingian (Changxingian) Stage.展开更多
The Precambrian, an informal chronostratigraphical unit, represents the period of Earth history from the start of the Cambrian at ca. 541 Ma back to the formation of the planet at 4567 Ma. It was originally conceptual...The Precambrian, an informal chronostratigraphical unit, represents the period of Earth history from the start of the Cambrian at ca. 541 Ma back to the formation of the planet at 4567 Ma. It was originally conceptualized as a ＂Cryptozoic Eon＂ that was contrasted with the Phanerozoic Eon from the Cambrian to the Quaternary, which is now known as the Precambrian and can be subdivided into three eons, i.e., the Hadean, the Archean and the Proterozoic. The Precambrian is currently divided chronometrically into convenient boundaries, including for the establishment of the Proterozoic periods that were chosen to reflect large-scale tectonic or sedimentary features （except for the Ediacaran Period）. This chronometric arrangement might represent the second progress on the study of chronostratigraphy of the Precambrian after its separation from the Phanerozoic. Upon further study of the evolutionary history of the Precambrian Earth, applying new geodynamic and geobiological knowledge and information, a revised division of Precambrian time has led to the third conceptual progress on the study of Precambrian chronostratigraphy. In the current scheme, the Proterozoic Eon began at 2500 Ma, which is the approximate time by which most granite-greenstone crust had formed, and can be subdivided into ten periods of typically 200 Ma duration grouped into three eras （except for the Ediacaran Period）. Within this current scheme, the Ediacaran Period was ratified in 2004, the first period-level addition to the geologic time scale in more than a century, an important advancement in stratigraphy. There are two main problems in the current scheme of Proterozoic chrouostratigraphical division： （1） the definition of the Archean-Proterozoic boundary at 2500 Ma, which does not reflect a unique time of synchronous global change in tectonic style and does not correspond with a major change in lithology; （2） the round number subdivision of the Proterozoic into several periods based on broad orogenic characteristics, which has not met with requests on the concept of modern stratigraphy, except for the Ediacaran Period. In the revised chronostratigraphic scheme for the Proterozoic, the Archean-Proterozoic boundary is placed at the major change from a reducing early Earth to a cooler, more modern Earth characterized by the supercontinent cycle, a major change that occurred at ca. 2420 Ma. Thus, a revised Proterozoic Eon （2420-542 Ma） is envisaged to extend from the Archean-Proterozoic boundary at ca. 2420 Ma to the end of the Ediacaran Period, i.e., a period marked by the progressive rise in atmospheric oxygen, supercontinent cyclicity, and the evolution of more complex （eukaryotic） fife. As with the current Proterozoic Eon, a revised Proterozoic Eon based on chronostratigraphy is envisaged to consist of three eras （Paleoproterozoic, Mesoproterozoic, and Neoproterozoic）, but the boundary ages for these divisions differ from their current ages and their subdivisions into periods would also differ from current practice. A scheme is proposed for the chronostratigraphic division of the Proterozoic, based principally on geodynamic and geobiological events and their expressions in the stratigraphic record. Importantly, this revision of the Proterozoic time scale will be of significant benefit to the community as a whole and will help to drive new research that will unveil new information about the history of our planet, since the Proterozoic is a significant connecting link between the preceding Precambrian and the following Phanerozoic.展开更多
A comprehensive study of outcrop sequence stratigraphy in China began in the early 1990s. The investigated strata range from Mesoproterozoic to Quaternary and the studied areas cover the three platforms and margins, t...A comprehensive study of outcrop sequence stratigraphy in China began in the early 1990s. The investigated strata range from Mesoproterozoic to Quaternary and the studied areas cover the three platforms and margins, the Southern Himalayas and the East China and South China seas. Problems of general concern in the sequence stratigraphy of China are discussed. These are: the hierarchy for sequence stratigraphy, the third order Sequence and eustasy, the chronostratigraphic boundaries and GSSP, and the International Stratigraphic Chart and the sequence chronostratigraphy of China. The average time interval of Mesosequence (25-40 Ma) and of the Sequence (2-5 Ma) is suggested and the minor sequences below the Sequence are discussed. The time interval of the Sequence shows no evident decrease with time, but several epochs with remarkable short intervals occur in the Phanerozoic, which may represent a planetary behavior denoting the special development stages in earth’s evolution. Sea level change curves are given separately for the three platforms and the different regions. The Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) concept and practice are discussed, and a comparison between the first appearance point of biozone and the first flooding surface in the Sequence is made for designation of the chronostratigraphic boundary. It is suggested that the chronostratigraphic boundaries might be set at the first flooding surface in the Sequence for easy recognition. The idea of sequence chronostratigraphy is recommended, and a comparison between the International Stratigraphic Chart and the sequence chronostratigraphy of China is made. The close relation between chronostratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy makes it possible for sequence stratigraphy to improve chronostratigraphic research. It is pointed out that multidisciplinary study in chronostratigraphy is necessary and should be promising and profitable.展开更多
Graphic correlation method has been proved to be very useful in correlating sections in different places. In this study, we have selected five sections from the Western Interior Basin, USA and applied graphic correlat...Graphic correlation method has been proved to be very useful in correlating sections in different places. In this study, we have selected five sections from the Western Interior Basin, USA and applied graphic correlation method to correlate them. The selected five sections are located from the eastern to the western margins of the Western Interior Basin, USA. The cross-basinal high-precision chronostratigraphic correlation provides geologists a better understanding about how facies and depositional environments evolved across the mid-Cretaceous Western Interior Basin during the mid-Cretaceous. In addition, our data fits well with the previous understandings about mid- Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway, which characterized by slow depositional rates and higher organic matter concentration.展开更多
The non-marine Cretaceous sequences are well developed in the relict basins, i.e. the Luxi basin in the west, and the Jiaolai basin in the east of Shandong Province. The Lower Cretaceous Santai Formation (140 - 136 Ma...The non-marine Cretaceous sequences are well developed in the relict basins, i.e. the Luxi basin in the west, and the Jiaolai basin in the east of Shandong Province. The Lower Cretaceous Santai Formation (140 - 136 Ma) in the Luxi basin contains aeolian dune deposits, which were formed under the control by westerly. The Cretaceous strata of the Jiaolai basin are divided into three groups: i.e. in ascending order, the Laiyang, Qingshan and Wangshi groups. New SHRIMP zircon U-Pb radiometric dating data demonstrated six Cretaceous volcanism episodes. The lower part of the Wangshi Group should be assigned to the upper Lower Cretaceous. An Ir anomaly recovered in the lower Jiaozhou Formation suggests that the Cretaceous/Palaeogene boundary would be in the interval between 537.3 - 537.4 m in the borehole JK1. At last the detailed information about the pre-symposium field excursion was introduced.展开更多
The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau experienced a unique geological evolution during the Jurassic,driven by the termination of the Palaeotethys and the reduction of the Neotethys.The Indian Plate separated from the northern m...The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau experienced a unique geological evolution during the Jurassic,driven by the termination of the Palaeotethys and the reduction of the Neotethys.The Indian Plate separated from the northern margin of Gondwana and drifted northward from the Southern Hemisphere.Given that the timing of strata serves as the basis for reconstructing geological history,the present work aimed to develop a new multiple stratigraphic and chronologic framework for the Jurassic strata of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau region via a synthesis of the material on lithostratigraphy,palaeontology,iso-radiometric dating,magnetostratigraphy,and other techniques with an emphasis on recent progress and findings.The new framework included the Jurassic System from the four major subdivisions of the plateau:the Baryan Har,Qiangtang,Lhasa-Gandise,and Southern Xizang(Himalaya).Ultimately,a more complete,refined biostratigraphic sequence was proposed,comprising the most common fossils in the plateau and those that are stratigraphically significant for the Jurassic stratigraphy,including ammonites,bivalves,brachiopods,foraminifera,radiolarians,and dinoflagellate cysts for the marine strata,and pollen and spores,and charophytes for the terrestrial sediments.This biostratigraphic framework was correlated with the Jurassic international standard zonation of the Geological Time Scale 2020 via standard or representative species or genera of ammonites.Based on this framework,we constructed a lateral correlation of the Jurassic strata between different basins of the plateau.The palaeontologic correlation in the present work shows that the Lhasa-Gandise Block had a closer relationship with the Qiangtang Block than with the Southern Xizang Himalaya during the Jurassic Period.Meanwhile,the Lhasa-Gandise Block and Qiangtang Block shared similar marine fauna features of the north marginal East Tethys.This contrasts the opinion suggesting that the Yarlung Zangbo Tethys was a small back-arc basin.A combination of stratigraphical,palaeontological,and sedimentological analyses implies that the Bangong Co-Nujiang Tethys may have begun rifting in the Late Triassic,evolving to the birth at the late Early Jurassic with the formation of ocean crust.However,this resulted in failure after it grew into the climax at the end of the Middle Jurassic when the Qiangtang Block began subducting under the Lhasa-Gandise Block.In the Early Cretaceous,the two blocks finally merged.展开更多
The Ordovician rocks on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau represent the oldest non-metamorphic strata,and are critical to understanding the history of regional geology and biotic evolution of the entire plateau.Strata of Fl...The Ordovician rocks on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau represent the oldest non-metamorphic strata,and are critical to understanding the history of regional geology and biotic evolution of the entire plateau.Strata of Floian,Darriwilian,Sandbian,Katian and Hirnantian are represented in the plateau with a hiatus of variable duration occurring underneath the basal Ordovician across the area.Five stratigraphical regions,including the Himalaya,Gangdise-Zayu,Qiangtang-Qamdo,Songpan-Garze,and Karakoram-Kunlun-Altun,are differentiated for the Ordovician strata,which are correlated with their equivalents in the Sibumasu,Indochina,Qaidam-Qilian,Tarim-Tianshan,and the Yangtze(western margin)stratigraphical regions.On the QinghaiTibetan Plateau,graptolites,conodonts,and cephalopods are the most common and useful fossils for the Ordovician biostratigraphy.The Ordovician biotas of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau bear some distinguishable palaeobiogeographical signatures,among which the cephalopods are characterized by the flourishing actinocerids of North China affinity in the Early-Middle Ordovician,and by the thriving lituitids and orthocerids of South China affinity in the Middle-Late Ordovician.Fossil occurrences and their palaeobiogeographical evolution provide critical evidence bearing on the reconstruction of the geological history of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and surrounding terranes in northeastern peri-Gondwana.The stratigraphical successions of the Cambrian-Ordovician transition in the Himalaya and Lhasa and nearby Sibumasu terranes were significantly affected by the Kurgiakh Orogeny,which resulted in the extensive unconformity between the Ordovician and the underlying rocks in most areas of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.In southern Xizang,a warm-water biota of Middle Ordovician age was recovered from oolitic limestones,suggesting a likely palaeogeographical location in low-latitudes near the equator.In the Himalaya and Sibumasu regions,the Upper Ordovician was typified by the occurrence of red carbonates with distinctive reticulate structures,which are correlative to their equivalents in the Yangtze region of South China,and might be deposited under similar geological conditions.The global end-Ordovician glaciation and sea-level drop likely caused the wide absence of late Katian strata in western Yunnan of China and the Shan State of Myanma,and may have also affected deposition in the Xainza and Nyalam areas of the QinghaiTibetan Plateau during this time interval.展开更多
In this chapter, starting with a brief review of the research history and current status in the studies of the Ordovician chronostratigraphy in China, the subdivision of the Ordovician System, definition and recogniti...In this chapter, starting with a brief review of the research history and current status in the studies of the Ordovician chronostratigraphy in China, the subdivision of the Ordovician System, definition and recognition of its series and stage boundaries, and possible stratigraphic gaps are discussed in details in order to establish a multidisciplinary stratigraphic correlation through an integrated approach including lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, radiometric dating, chemostratigraphy and magnetostratigraphy. Being internationally accepted, the Ordovician System is now subdivided into three series and seven stages, in ascending order, Lower(Tremadocian, Floian), Middle(Dapingian, Darriwilian) and Upper series(Sandbian, Katian,Hirnantian). Three of the seven "Golden Spikes" defining the bases of the Ordovician stages, which were established in 1997–2007, are located in China. As a regionally applied chronostratigraphy, the Ordovician System was subdivided in China into Lower(Xinchangian, Yiyangian), Middle(Dapingian, Darriwilian) and Upper series(Neichiashanian, Chientangkiangian,Hirnantian). This scheme agrees largely with the standard international classification, which can actually be directly applied to China, except for some special circumstances where the Neichiashanian and Chientangkiangian stages of the Upper Ordovician are used. Based on the new studies in recent years and distinctions and differences recognized in the development of the Ordovician System in the constituent terranes of China, a new framework for correlation among the major Chinese palaeoplates or terranes, e.g. South China, North China(including Tarim and Qaidam) and Xizang(Tibet)-western Yunnan, has been established. However, it has been recognized herein that uncertainties still remain on defining the base of the Tremadocian,Dapingian and Katian, and on the correlation between different mega-facies. More specifically, for the Tremadocian, the precise correlation of its base will depend on the better-defined conodont taxonomy, while for the Dapingian and Katian, on the correlation between different mega-facies. It is worthwhile to note that the chemostratigraphic studies of the Ordovician System in China produced the carbonate δ13 C curves for the Darriwilian(Middle Ordovician) and Katian(Upper Ordovician), which show significant differences from the composite global curve. Record of the Ordovician isotopic dating is relatively rare in China, with only three reliable ages from zircons that are all from the upper Katian to Hirnantian of the Upper Ordovician.Abundant bentonite beds in the Upper Ordovician of South China will also provide unique opportunities to advance the isotopic dating and related researches. Studies on the Ordovician magnetostratigraphy need to be significantly enhanced in China, as currently all the available results are restricted to the Lower Ordovician of North China, although they can be correlated with those known from other parts of the world. The analysis of the durational unevenness of the seven stages in the Ordovician supports the possibility to further subdivide the long-durational Tremadocian, Darriwilian and Katian stages, each into two substages.展开更多
The Triassic rocks are widespread in China, and both marine and terrestrial strata are well developed. The Triassic stratigraphic architecture of China is very complex in both spatial variation of the so-called "...The Triassic rocks are widespread in China, and both marine and terrestrial strata are well developed. The Triassic stratigraphic architecture of China is very complex in both spatial variation of the so-called "South Marine and North Continental", i.e. the southern areas of China occupied mostly by marine facies while the northern China by terrestrial facies during the Triassic Period, and temporal transition of the "Lower Marine and Upper Continental", i.e. the lower part of the Triassic System composed mainly of marine facies and the upper part of terrestrial strata especially in South China. Although the Global Stratotype Section and Point(GSSP) of the Permian-Triassic boundary is located in South China, the Triassic of China except for some marine Lower-Middle Triassic depositions shows significantly local characteristics and is hardly correlated with the global chronostratigraphic chart. Consequently, the Triassic of China contains not only the international research hotspots but also difficult points in stratigraphic study. This paper aims to present a brief review of the Triassic in China, including chronostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy and chemostratigraphy, and summarize an integrated Triassic stratigraphic framework of China. Accordingly, a stratigraphic correlation is proposed for the lithostratigraphic sequences among the three tectono-paleogeographic stratigraphic regions. The comprehensive study indicates that ammonoids are the classic index fossils in Triassic biostratigraphy but conodonts are more advantageous in the study and definition of the Triassic chronostratigraphic boundaries. China still has the potential to optimize the GSSPs of the Induan-Olenekian boundary and Olenekian-Anisian boundary. The correlation of the Permian-Triassic boundary between marine and terrestrial facies might be achieved with the help of the Permian-Triassic "transitional bed" and its related biotic and environmental events in association with the biostratigraphic study of conchostracan, vertebrate and plant fossils. In addition, the carbon isotopes have been proved to be one of the powerful methods in marine Triassic stratigraphic study, whereas the oxygen and strontium isotopes may be additional important bridges to establish the correlation between the marine and terrestrial strata, but as yet lacking of relevant studies in terrestrial strata. Considering the most stratigraphic intervals of the Triassic and the terrestrial Triassic in China are difficult to be correlated to the global chart, the proposed Chinese(regional) Triassic chronostratigraphic chart of marine and terrestrial stages would be of importance to the study of Chinese Triassic stratigraphy and related aspects, but the stages must be conceptually in line with international standards and studied as soon as possible in order to finalize the definition.展开更多
The Global Boundary Stratotype Sections and Points(GSSPs) for the bases of all seven international Devonian stages have been formally defined and ratified by IUGS till 1996, and nowadays, the main tasks for Devonian s...The Global Boundary Stratotype Sections and Points(GSSPs) for the bases of all seven international Devonian stages have been formally defined and ratified by IUGS till 1996, and nowadays, the main tasks for Devonian stratigraphers include further subdivision of these standard stages, strictly constrained absolute ages for the boundaries, and precise neritic-pelagic and marine-terrestrial correlations using multidisciplinary stratigraphy methods. Establishment of high-resolution Devonian integrative stratigraphy framework and timescale of China would play an important role in improving regional and international correlation, facilitating the recognition of important stratigraphic levels in different paleogeographic settings, and understanding the evolution pattern of biota, paleoclimate and paleoenvironment during this critical interval. Based on well-studied bio-and chronostratigraphy of Devonian in South China and adjacent areas, in combination with recent achievements in carbon isotope stratigraphy, event stratigraphy and radioactive isotope ages, this paper briefly summarize the research history and current status of Devonian chronostratigraphy of China, and for the first time introduce Devonian integrative stratigraphy framework of China.Up to date, few studies have been conducted on the astronomical cyclostratigraphy and high-resolution radioactive isotope dating in Devonian of China, which should be our main focuses in the near future.展开更多
Quaternary strata in China mainly comprise continental deposits in a variety of depositional settings. The continental Quaternary in temperate northern China consists mainly of eolian and fluvio-lacustrine deposits; t...Quaternary strata in China mainly comprise continental deposits in a variety of depositional settings. The continental Quaternary in temperate northern China consists mainly of eolian and fluvio-lacustrine deposits; that in subtropical southern China, mainly of vermiculated red soils, cave/fissure deposits, and fluvio-lacustrine deposits; and that in the alpine Tibetan Plateau, mainly of fluvio-lacustrine and piedmont deposits. The marine Quaternary in China consists of detrital deposits and biogenic reef deposits. The integration of biostratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy, climatostratigraphy and an astronomically calibrated chronology has led to the establishment of high-precision climatochronostratigraphic timescales for the detrital marine Quaternary in the South China Sea and the loess-paleosol sequence in the Chinese Loess Plateau. Extremely high-precision230 Th dating has provided a high-precision absolute age model for cave stalagmites over the past 640000 years as well as highresolution oxygen isotope records representing orbital-to suborbital-scale climate changes. By combining magnetic stratigraphy and biostratigraphy, robust chronostratigraphic frameworks for non-eolian continental Quaternary deposits on the scale of Quaternary geomagnetic polarities have been established. The continental Pleistocene Series consists, from oldest to youngest,of the Nihewanian Stage of the Lower Pleistocene, the Zhoukoudianian Stage of the Middle Pleistocene, and the Salawusuan Stage of the Upper Pleistocene. Stages of the continental Holocene Series have not yet been established. This review summarizes recent developments in the Quaternary chronostratigraphy of representative Quaternary strata and associated faunas, and then proposes an integrative chronostratigraphic framework and a stratigraphic correlation scheme for Quaternary continental strata in China. In the near-future, it is hoped to establish not only a Chinese continental Quaternary climatochronostratigraphic chart on the scale of glacial-interglacial cycles but also a Quaternary integrative chronostratigraphic chart including both continental and marine strata in China.展开更多
The steps and methods for the establishment of the global boundary stratotype section and point (GSSP) are summed up briefly as follows. (i) Select rock sequences of approximately the same age duration in a region, ma...The steps and methods for the establishment of the global boundary stratotype section and point (GSSP) are summed up briefly as follows. (i) Select rock sequences of approximately the same age duration in a region, make a thorough study of their properties or attributes in order to establish the high-resolution stratigraphic units reflecting the natural rhythms in Earth's history, and proceed by multidisciplinary comprehensive studies to reveal the relationship, including time-space relation and possible mutual causality, among the various stratigraphic units and the different natural rhythms established. (ii) Seek for the 'natural break' that represents the 'major natural changes in the historical development of the Earth' in shallow marine facies areas, which is frequently the third-order sequence boundaries. (iii) Trace from shallow marine facies areas toward the continental slope and bathyal areas to seek for a continuous depositional sequence that corresponds in time span to the 'natural break' of shallow marine facies areas. (iv) Seek for a horizon within the continuous depositional sequence that approximately coincides with the maximum regressive point in the 'natural break'. This horizon is commonly within a lowerstand systems tract (LST) or a shelf margin systems tract (SMST) of the relevant third-order sequence. (v) Seek immediately above this horizon of maximum marine regression for an organic radiation or explosion event closely related to the natural boundary, which is generally the first flooding surface (FFS) of the relevant third-order sequence. (vi) Select within the organic event deposits closely related to the FFS the base boundary of a fossil taxon with widest geographical range as the Leading Group biozone for designation of the stratigraphic boundary. (vii) Select from among the sections with continuous depositional sequence formed under similar sedimentary palaeogeographic background (in general continental slope or bathyal environments) the section which possesses the shortest distance between the base boundary of the Leading Group biozone and the immediately underlying FFS of the relevant third-order sequence as the global stratotype section. The first appearance datum (FAD) of the Leading Group biozone species in the section may be regarded as the ideal GSSP. The steps suggested above are a supplement and improvement of the currently used procedures and methods for establishing GSSP. The GSSP established by using the steps and methods suggested here would make the stratigraphic boundaries better reflect the 'major natural changes in the historical development of the Earth', more readily distinguishable and easily operable in recognition and correlation, and at the same time also make the designation of boundaries more objective.展开更多
A study on the relationship between biostratigraphy and seguence stratigraphy in several designated global boundary stratotypes shows that the best way may be to take the GSSP at a point coincident with the base of th...A study on the relationship between biostratigraphy and seguence stratigraphy in several designated global boundary stratotypes shows that the best way may be to take the GSSP at a point coincident with the base of the first widespread Leading Group biozone above the first flooding surface (FFS) of the relevant third-order seguence. it is suggested that the first flooding surface of the sequence should be an important reference criterion for the selection of GSSP. As the base of the first widespread Leading Group biozone chosen for the definition of GSSP could not be lower than the first flooding surface of the referred seguence, the latter surface may be an important criterion for the recognition and correlation of the chronostratigraphic boundaries.展开更多
The widely exposed Chinese Neogene terrestrial deposits provide the best circumstance for the establishment of an accurate chronostratigraphic system of Eurasia, and the rapidly evolved mammalian fossils contribute ef...The widely exposed Chinese Neogene terrestrial deposits provide the best circumstance for the establishment of an accurate chronostratigraphic system of Eurasia, and the rapidly evolved mammalian fossils contribute efficiently to the division and correlation of Asian Neogene strata. A uniform Neogene biostratigraphic framework for China has already been established,with seven mammalian ages named. With a developed stratigraphic basis for the geochronologic "ages", seven chronostratigraphic "stage" have been established for the Chinese Neogene terrestrial strata, namely the Miocene Xiejian, Shanwangian,Tunggurian, Bahean, and Baodean stages, and the Pliocene Gaozhuangian and Mazegouan stages. Based on a series of research achievements, refined biostratigraphic, paleomagnetic and isotopic methods were combined and applied to continuous sections,and a Chinese Neogene chronostratigraphic sequence with accurate geological ages was established and improved in recent years. The lower boundaries of most of the stages could be correlated with those of the marine stages in the International Chronostratigraphic Chart, except the Tunggurian Stage, which is correlated with the European land mammal age. The biostratigraphic markers of the Chinese Neogene stages are usually first appearance of a single taxon, some representing regional species replacement, others indicating intercontinental migration of certain taxa. Candidate stratotype sections have been proposed for all the Chinese Neogene stages according to the principle and rule of modern stratigraphy, and other Chinese Neogene strata in different regions are comprehensively correlated.展开更多
The Carboniferous period lasted about 60 Myr, from ～358.9 Ma to ～298.9 Ma. According to the International Commission on Stratigraphy, the Carboniferous System is subdivided into two subsystems, i.e., Mississippian a...The Carboniferous period lasted about 60 Myr, from ～358.9 Ma to ～298.9 Ma. According to the International Commission on Stratigraphy, the Carboniferous System is subdivided into two subsystems, i.e., Mississippian and Pennsylvanian, including 6 series and 7 stages. The Global Stratotype Sections and Points(GSSPs) of three stages have been ratified, the Tournaisian, Visean, and Bashkirian stages. The GSSPs of the remaining four stages(i.e., the Serpukhovian, Moscovian,Kasimovian, and Gzhelian) have not been ratified so far. This paper outlines Carboniferous stratigraphic subdivision and correlation on the basis of detailed biostratigraphy mainly from South China, and summarizes the Carboniferous chronostratigraphic framework of China. High-resolution biostratigraphic study reveals 37 conodont zones, 24 foraminiferal(including fusulinid) zones, 13 ammonoid zones, 10 brachiopod zones, and 10 rugose coral zones in the Carboniferous of China. The biostratigraphic framework based on these biozones warrants the precise correlation of regional stratigraphy of China(including2 subsystems, 4 series, and 8 stages) to that of the other regions globally. Meanwhile, the Carboniferous chemo-, sequence-,cyclo-, and event-stratigraphy of China have been intensively studied and can also be correlated worldwide. Future studies on the Carboniferous in China should focus on(1) the correlation between shallow-and deep-water facies and between marine and continental facies,(2) high-resolution astronomical cyclostratigraphy, and(3) paleoenvironment and paleoclimate analysis based on geochemical proxies such as strontium and oxygen isotopes, as well as stomatal indices of fossil plants.展开更多
Cretaceous strata are widely distributed across China and record a variety of depositional settings. The sedimentary facies consist primarily of terrestrial, marine and interbedded marine-terrestrial deposits, of whic...Cretaceous strata are widely distributed across China and record a variety of depositional settings. The sedimentary facies consist primarily of terrestrial, marine and interbedded marine-terrestrial deposits, of which marine and interbedded facies are relatively limited. Based a thorough review of the subdivisions and correlations of Cretaceous strata in China, we provide an up-to-date integrated chronostratigraphy and geochronologic framework of the Cretaceous system and its deposits in China.Cretaceous marine and interbedded marine-terrestrial sediments occur in southern Tibet, Karakorum, the western Tarim Basin,eastern Heilongjiang and Taiwan. Among these, the Himalayan area has the most complete marine deposits, the foraminiferal and ammonite biozonation of which can be correlated directly to the international standard biozones. Terrestrial deposits in central and western China consist predominantly of red, lacustrine-fluvial, clastic deposits, whereas eastern China, a volcanically active zone, contains clastic rocks in association with intermediate to acidic igneous rocks and features the most complete stratigraphic successions in northern Hebei, western Liaoning and the Songliao Basin. Here, we synthesise multiple stratigraphic concepts and charts from southern Tibet, northern Hebei to western Liaoning and the Songliao Basin to produce a comprehensive chronostratigraphic chart. Marine and terrestrial deposits are integrated, and this aids in the establishment of a comprehensive Cretaceous chronostratigraphy and temporal framework of China. Further research into the Cretaceous of China will likely focus on terrestrial deposits and mutual authentication techniques(e.g., biostratigraphy, chronostratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy and cyclostratigraphy). This study provides a more reliable temporal framework both for studying Cretaceous geological events and exploring mineral resources in China.展开更多
Silurian is a period with the shortest duration in Phanerozoic except for the Neogene and Quaternary. It represents an important and unique interval when the biotic diversity recovered quickly after the end-Ordovician...Silurian is a period with the shortest duration in Phanerozoic except for the Neogene and Quaternary. It represents an important and unique interval when the biotic diversity recovered quickly after the end-Ordovician mass extinction, different paleoplates or terranes conjoined, big oceans disappeared or narrowed, climate and sea level changed frequently, global biotic provincialism became weaker, some primitive plants started to occupy the land. Silurian is also the first system of which all the chronostratigraphic stratotypes(i.e. the GSSPs) including four series and seven stages were established by the International Subcommission on Silurian Stratigraphy(ISSS). Nonetheless, during the post-GSSP studies conducted by ISSS in the middle1980 s, some Silurian GSSPs were found to have some congenital defects such as no index fossils available that hinder the high resolution subdivision and correlation on a regional or global scale. In this paper, based on the latest development of Silurian study in China, the progress in biostratigraphy, chronostratigraphy, event stratigraphy(such as facies differentiation, heterochrony of black shales, marine red beds, carbonate rocks and reefs), chemostratigraphy, and tectonic stratigraphy(e.g., widespread of the late Silurian rocks in South China and its tectonic implication) are systematically summarized. Some existing problems and the areas to be focused in future work are also discussed. It is suitable for chronostratigraphic study to concentrate not only on the boundary but also doing multidisciplinary analysis on the biotic, chemical, magnetic, environmental, and chronologic aspects, in order to enhance the reliability and the potential for regional and global correlation of a certain GSSP.Some important achievements are expected in these areas in the Silurian study in China:(1) ecostratigraphy and basin analysis of the Llandovery, and the correlation of integrative stratigraphy with a high resolution;(2) establishment of the Wenlock to Pridoli chronostratigraphic framework;(3) the chemo-and magnetic stratigraphy and the age of some key intervals and horizons;(4)further investigation on paleogeography and plate tectonics; and(5) origin and early evolution of the terrestrial ecosystem. Some new breakthroughs might occur in the restudy on some of those problematic GSSPs of some particular series and stages.展开更多
The Paleogene is the first period after the Mesozoic Mass Extinction. Mammals become the dominant group in the terrestrial ecosystem with a rapid radiation, and Asia has been considered to be the origin place of sever...The Paleogene is the first period after the Mesozoic Mass Extinction. Mammals become the dominant group in the terrestrial ecosystem with a rapid radiation, and Asia has been considered to be the origin place of several mammalian groups.The Paleogene System consists mostly of terrestrial deposits in Asia, especially in East Asia. A well-established regional chronostratigraphic framework is the foundation for understanding both the Paleogene geologic history and evolutionary history of Asia and their relationships. The Paleogene is subdivided into the Paleocene, Eocene and Oligocene in the International Chronostratigraphic Chart. Based on the land mammal ages, the Chinese terrestrial Paleogene can be subdivided into 11 stages:the Shanghuan, Nongshanian and Bayanulanian stages of the Paleocene, the Lingchan, Arshantan, Irdinmanhan, Sharamurunian,Ulangochuian and Baiyinian stages of the Eocene, and the Ulantatalian and Tabenbulukian stages of the Oligocene. These stages have distinctive paleontological characters, with special significance of fossil mammals, which provide a reliable practical basis.The bases of the Shanghuan, Lingchan, and Ulantatalian stages are coincident respectively with those of the Paleocene, Eocene and Oligocene. The ages for their bases are determined as 66.0, 56.0 and 33.9 Ma, respectively, following that for the corresponding series in the International Chronostratigraphic Chart. For other stages, estimated ages are provided based on available paleomagnetic results.展开更多
Exposed in natural outcrops near the Duibian Village, Jiangshan County, Zhejiang Province, China, the Duibian B section is proposed as the boundary stratotype for the base of an unnamed stage termed provisionally Camb...Exposed in natural outcrops near the Duibian Village, Jiangshan County, Zhejiang Province, China, the Duibian B section is proposed as the boundary stratotype for the base of an unnamed stage termed provisionally Cambrian Stage 9. The proposed position of the GSSP is 108.12 m above the base of the Huayansi Formation, at a horizon coinciding with the first appearance of the cosmopolitan agnostoid trilobite Agnostotes orientalis. This horizon coincides also with the first appearance of the cosmopoli-tan polymerid trilobite Irvingella angustilimbata. The section fulfills all the requirements for a GSSP, and the horizon can be constrained not only by the primary stratigraphic marker (A. orientalis) but also with secondary biostratigraphic, chemostratigraphic, and sequence-stratigraphic correlation tools. The first appearance of A. orientalis is one of the most readily recognizable levels in Cambrian, and can be correlated with precision to all paleocontinents.展开更多
文摘Since the principle of multiple stratigraphic classification has been widely accepted by Chinese stratigraphers, various new Permian chronostratigraphic units have been proposed in China, and they need to be redefined. The establishment of a new global chronostratigraphic scheme of the Permian, compilation of Permian lithostratigraphic units and updating of Permian biostratigraphic sequences of China makes it possible to present a revised regional chronostratigraphic succession for the Permian System in China. This succession consists of three series and eight stages. The Chuanshanian Series includes two stages, the Zisongian and the Longlinian; the Yanghsinian (Yangxinian) Series is subdivided into the Chihsian (Qixiaan) and the Maokouan Subseries, of which the former comprises the Luodianian and the Xiangboan Stage, and the latter the Kufengian (Gufengian) and the Lengwuan Stage; the Lopingian (Lepingian) Series includes the Wuchiapingian (Wujiapingian) and the Changhsingian (Changxingian) Stage.
基金the Natural Sciences Foundation of China(grants No.41472090,40472065 and 49802012)
文摘The Precambrian, an informal chronostratigraphical unit, represents the period of Earth history from the start of the Cambrian at ca. 541 Ma back to the formation of the planet at 4567 Ma. It was originally conceptualized as a ＂Cryptozoic Eon＂ that was contrasted with the Phanerozoic Eon from the Cambrian to the Quaternary, which is now known as the Precambrian and can be subdivided into three eons, i.e., the Hadean, the Archean and the Proterozoic. The Precambrian is currently divided chronometrically into convenient boundaries, including for the establishment of the Proterozoic periods that were chosen to reflect large-scale tectonic or sedimentary features （except for the Ediacaran Period）. This chronometric arrangement might represent the second progress on the study of chronostratigraphy of the Precambrian after its separation from the Phanerozoic. Upon further study of the evolutionary history of the Precambrian Earth, applying new geodynamic and geobiological knowledge and information, a revised division of Precambrian time has led to the third conceptual progress on the study of Precambrian chronostratigraphy. In the current scheme, the Proterozoic Eon began at 2500 Ma, which is the approximate time by which most granite-greenstone crust had formed, and can be subdivided into ten periods of typically 200 Ma duration grouped into three eras （except for the Ediacaran Period）. Within this current scheme, the Ediacaran Period was ratified in 2004, the first period-level addition to the geologic time scale in more than a century, an important advancement in stratigraphy. There are two main problems in the current scheme of Proterozoic chrouostratigraphical division： （1） the definition of the Archean-Proterozoic boundary at 2500 Ma, which does not reflect a unique time of synchronous global change in tectonic style and does not correspond with a major change in lithology; （2） the round number subdivision of the Proterozoic into several periods based on broad orogenic characteristics, which has not met with requests on the concept of modern stratigraphy, except for the Ediacaran Period. In the revised chronostratigraphic scheme for the Proterozoic, the Archean-Proterozoic boundary is placed at the major change from a reducing early Earth to a cooler, more modern Earth characterized by the supercontinent cycle, a major change that occurred at ca. 2420 Ma. Thus, a revised Proterozoic Eon （2420-542 Ma） is envisaged to extend from the Archean-Proterozoic boundary at ca. 2420 Ma to the end of the Ediacaran Period, i.e., a period marked by the progressive rise in atmospheric oxygen, supercontinent cyclicity, and the evolution of more complex （eukaryotic） fife. As with the current Proterozoic Eon, a revised Proterozoic Eon based on chronostratigraphy is envisaged to consist of three eras （Paleoproterozoic, Mesoproterozoic, and Neoproterozoic）, but the boundary ages for these divisions differ from their current ages and their subdivisions into periods would also differ from current practice. A scheme is proposed for the chronostratigraphic division of the Proterozoic, based principally on geodynamic and geobiological events and their expressions in the stratigraphic record. Importantly, this revision of the Proterozoic time scale will be of significant benefit to the community as a whole and will help to drive new research that will unveil new information about the history of our planet, since the Proterozoic is a significant connecting link between the preceding Precambrian and the following Phanerozoic.
基金The study is supported by the key project"SSER"sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the key project"Pange
文摘A comprehensive study of outcrop sequence stratigraphy in China began in the early 1990s. The investigated strata range from Mesoproterozoic to Quaternary and the studied areas cover the three platforms and margins, the Southern Himalayas and the East China and South China seas. Problems of general concern in the sequence stratigraphy of China are discussed. These are: the hierarchy for sequence stratigraphy, the third order Sequence and eustasy, the chronostratigraphic boundaries and GSSP, and the International Stratigraphic Chart and the sequence chronostratigraphy of China. The average time interval of Mesosequence (25-40 Ma) and of the Sequence (2-5 Ma) is suggested and the minor sequences below the Sequence are discussed. The time interval of the Sequence shows no evident decrease with time, but several epochs with remarkable short intervals occur in the Phanerozoic, which may represent a planetary behavior denoting the special development stages in earth’s evolution. Sea level change curves are given separately for the three platforms and the different regions. The Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) concept and practice are discussed, and a comparison between the first appearance point of biozone and the first flooding surface in the Sequence is made for designation of the chronostratigraphic boundary. It is suggested that the chronostratigraphic boundaries might be set at the first flooding surface in the Sequence for easy recognition. The idea of sequence chronostratigraphy is recommended, and a comparison between the International Stratigraphic Chart and the sequence chronostratigraphy of China is made. The close relation between chronostratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy makes it possible for sequence stratigraphy to improve chronostratigraphic research. It is pointed out that multidisciplinary study in chronostratigraphy is necessary and should be promising and profitable.
文摘Graphic correlation method has been proved to be very useful in correlating sections in different places. In this study, we have selected five sections from the Western Interior Basin, USA and applied graphic correlation method to correlate them. The selected five sections are located from the eastern to the western margins of the Western Interior Basin, USA. The cross-basinal high-precision chronostratigraphic correlation provides geologists a better understanding about how facies and depositional environments evolved across the mid-Cretaceous Western Interior Basin during the mid-Cretaceous. In addition, our data fits well with the previous understandings about mid- Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway, which characterized by slow depositional rates and higher organic matter concentration.
文摘The non-marine Cretaceous sequences are well developed in the relict basins, i.e. the Luxi basin in the west, and the Jiaolai basin in the east of Shandong Province. The Lower Cretaceous Santai Formation (140 - 136 Ma) in the Luxi basin contains aeolian dune deposits, which were formed under the control by westerly. The Cretaceous strata of the Jiaolai basin are divided into three groups: i.e. in ascending order, the Laiyang, Qingshan and Wangshi groups. New SHRIMP zircon U-Pb radiometric dating data demonstrated six Cretaceous volcanism episodes. The lower part of the Wangshi Group should be assigned to the upper Lower Cretaceous. An Ir anomaly recovered in the lower Jiaozhou Formation suggests that the Cretaceous/Palaeogene boundary would be in the interval between 537.3 - 537.4 m in the borehole JK1. At last the detailed information about the pre-symposium field excursion was introduced.
基金supported by the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research(Grant No.2019QZKK0706)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.42372019,41888101,41872004,42272027,42288201,42172028)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant Nos.XDB26000000,XDA2007020203)。
文摘The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau experienced a unique geological evolution during the Jurassic,driven by the termination of the Palaeotethys and the reduction of the Neotethys.The Indian Plate separated from the northern margin of Gondwana and drifted northward from the Southern Hemisphere.Given that the timing of strata serves as the basis for reconstructing geological history,the present work aimed to develop a new multiple stratigraphic and chronologic framework for the Jurassic strata of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau region via a synthesis of the material on lithostratigraphy,palaeontology,iso-radiometric dating,magnetostratigraphy,and other techniques with an emphasis on recent progress and findings.The new framework included the Jurassic System from the four major subdivisions of the plateau:the Baryan Har,Qiangtang,Lhasa-Gandise,and Southern Xizang(Himalaya).Ultimately,a more complete,refined biostratigraphic sequence was proposed,comprising the most common fossils in the plateau and those that are stratigraphically significant for the Jurassic stratigraphy,including ammonites,bivalves,brachiopods,foraminifera,radiolarians,and dinoflagellate cysts for the marine strata,and pollen and spores,and charophytes for the terrestrial sediments.This biostratigraphic framework was correlated with the Jurassic international standard zonation of the Geological Time Scale 2020 via standard or representative species or genera of ammonites.Based on this framework,we constructed a lateral correlation of the Jurassic strata between different basins of the plateau.The palaeontologic correlation in the present work shows that the Lhasa-Gandise Block had a closer relationship with the Qiangtang Block than with the Southern Xizang Himalaya during the Jurassic Period.Meanwhile,the Lhasa-Gandise Block and Qiangtang Block shared similar marine fauna features of the north marginal East Tethys.This contrasts the opinion suggesting that the Yarlung Zangbo Tethys was a small back-arc basin.A combination of stratigraphical,palaeontological,and sedimentological analyses implies that the Bangong Co-Nujiang Tethys may have begun rifting in the Late Triassic,evolving to the birth at the late Early Jurassic with the formation of ocean crust.However,this resulted in failure after it grew into the climax at the end of the Middle Jurassic when the Qiangtang Block began subducting under the Lhasa-Gandise Block.In the Early Cretaceous,the two blocks finally merged.
基金supported by the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research(Grant No.2019QZKK0706)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.42030510,42002009,42102013)+2 种基金the Strategic Priority Research Program(B)of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.XDB26000000)the State Key Laboratory of Palaeobiology and Stratigraphy(Grant Nos.20201104,20221103)the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences(Grant No.DD20221829)。
文摘The Ordovician rocks on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau represent the oldest non-metamorphic strata,and are critical to understanding the history of regional geology and biotic evolution of the entire plateau.Strata of Floian,Darriwilian,Sandbian,Katian and Hirnantian are represented in the plateau with a hiatus of variable duration occurring underneath the basal Ordovician across the area.Five stratigraphical regions,including the Himalaya,Gangdise-Zayu,Qiangtang-Qamdo,Songpan-Garze,and Karakoram-Kunlun-Altun,are differentiated for the Ordovician strata,which are correlated with their equivalents in the Sibumasu,Indochina,Qaidam-Qilian,Tarim-Tianshan,and the Yangtze(western margin)stratigraphical regions.On the QinghaiTibetan Plateau,graptolites,conodonts,and cephalopods are the most common and useful fossils for the Ordovician biostratigraphy.The Ordovician biotas of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau bear some distinguishable palaeobiogeographical signatures,among which the cephalopods are characterized by the flourishing actinocerids of North China affinity in the Early-Middle Ordovician,and by the thriving lituitids and orthocerids of South China affinity in the Middle-Late Ordovician.Fossil occurrences and their palaeobiogeographical evolution provide critical evidence bearing on the reconstruction of the geological history of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and surrounding terranes in northeastern peri-Gondwana.The stratigraphical successions of the Cambrian-Ordovician transition in the Himalaya and Lhasa and nearby Sibumasu terranes were significantly affected by the Kurgiakh Orogeny,which resulted in the extensive unconformity between the Ordovician and the underlying rocks in most areas of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.In southern Xizang,a warm-water biota of Middle Ordovician age was recovered from oolitic limestones,suggesting a likely palaeogeographical location in low-latitudes near the equator.In the Himalaya and Sibumasu regions,the Upper Ordovician was typified by the occurrence of red carbonates with distinctive reticulate structures,which are correlative to their equivalents in the Yangtze region of South China,and might be deposited under similar geological conditions.The global end-Ordovician glaciation and sea-level drop likely caused the wide absence of late Katian strata in western Yunnan of China and the Shan State of Myanma,and may have also affected deposition in the Xainza and Nyalam areas of the QinghaiTibetan Plateau during this time interval.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 41290260, 41772005)the Chinese Academy of Sciences New Frontiers Special Grants (Grant Nos. XDB10010100, XDB26000000)+1 种基金the SAFEA Project (Grant No. 20140491530), the National Science and Technology Major Project (Grant No. 2017ZX05036-001-004)the MSTof China Special Grants for Basic Science Projects (Grant No. 2013FY111000)
文摘In this chapter, starting with a brief review of the research history and current status in the studies of the Ordovician chronostratigraphy in China, the subdivision of the Ordovician System, definition and recognition of its series and stage boundaries, and possible stratigraphic gaps are discussed in details in order to establish a multidisciplinary stratigraphic correlation through an integrated approach including lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, radiometric dating, chemostratigraphy and magnetostratigraphy. Being internationally accepted, the Ordovician System is now subdivided into three series and seven stages, in ascending order, Lower(Tremadocian, Floian), Middle(Dapingian, Darriwilian) and Upper series(Sandbian, Katian,Hirnantian). Three of the seven "Golden Spikes" defining the bases of the Ordovician stages, which were established in 1997–2007, are located in China. As a regionally applied chronostratigraphy, the Ordovician System was subdivided in China into Lower(Xinchangian, Yiyangian), Middle(Dapingian, Darriwilian) and Upper series(Neichiashanian, Chientangkiangian,Hirnantian). This scheme agrees largely with the standard international classification, which can actually be directly applied to China, except for some special circumstances where the Neichiashanian and Chientangkiangian stages of the Upper Ordovician are used. Based on the new studies in recent years and distinctions and differences recognized in the development of the Ordovician System in the constituent terranes of China, a new framework for correlation among the major Chinese palaeoplates or terranes, e.g. South China, North China(including Tarim and Qaidam) and Xizang(Tibet)-western Yunnan, has been established. However, it has been recognized herein that uncertainties still remain on defining the base of the Tremadocian,Dapingian and Katian, and on the correlation between different mega-facies. More specifically, for the Tremadocian, the precise correlation of its base will depend on the better-defined conodont taxonomy, while for the Dapingian and Katian, on the correlation between different mega-facies. It is worthwhile to note that the chemostratigraphic studies of the Ordovician System in China produced the carbonate δ13 C curves for the Darriwilian(Middle Ordovician) and Katian(Upper Ordovician), which show significant differences from the composite global curve. Record of the Ordovician isotopic dating is relatively rare in China, with only three reliable ages from zircons that are all from the upper Katian to Hirnantian of the Upper Ordovician.Abundant bentonite beds in the Upper Ordovician of South China will also provide unique opportunities to advance the isotopic dating and related researches. Studies on the Ordovician magnetostratigraphy need to be significantly enhanced in China, as currently all the available results are restricted to the Lower Ordovician of North China, although they can be correlated with those known from other parts of the world. The analysis of the durational unevenness of the seven stages in the Ordovician supports the possibility to further subdivide the long-durational Tremadocian, Darriwilian and Katian stages, each into two substages.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 41530104 & 41661134047)
文摘The Triassic rocks are widespread in China, and both marine and terrestrial strata are well developed. The Triassic stratigraphic architecture of China is very complex in both spatial variation of the so-called "South Marine and North Continental", i.e. the southern areas of China occupied mostly by marine facies while the northern China by terrestrial facies during the Triassic Period, and temporal transition of the "Lower Marine and Upper Continental", i.e. the lower part of the Triassic System composed mainly of marine facies and the upper part of terrestrial strata especially in South China. Although the Global Stratotype Section and Point(GSSP) of the Permian-Triassic boundary is located in South China, the Triassic of China except for some marine Lower-Middle Triassic depositions shows significantly local characteristics and is hardly correlated with the global chronostratigraphic chart. Consequently, the Triassic of China contains not only the international research hotspots but also difficult points in stratigraphic study. This paper aims to present a brief review of the Triassic in China, including chronostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy and chemostratigraphy, and summarize an integrated Triassic stratigraphic framework of China. Accordingly, a stratigraphic correlation is proposed for the lithostratigraphic sequences among the three tectono-paleogeographic stratigraphic regions. The comprehensive study indicates that ammonoids are the classic index fossils in Triassic biostratigraphy but conodonts are more advantageous in the study and definition of the Triassic chronostratigraphic boundaries. China still has the potential to optimize the GSSPs of the Induan-Olenekian boundary and Olenekian-Anisian boundary. The correlation of the Permian-Triassic boundary between marine and terrestrial facies might be achieved with the help of the Permian-Triassic "transitional bed" and its related biotic and environmental events in association with the biostratigraphic study of conchostracan, vertebrate and plant fossils. In addition, the carbon isotopes have been proved to be one of the powerful methods in marine Triassic stratigraphic study, whereas the oxygen and strontium isotopes may be additional important bridges to establish the correlation between the marine and terrestrial strata, but as yet lacking of relevant studies in terrestrial strata. Considering the most stratigraphic intervals of the Triassic and the terrestrial Triassic in China are difficult to be correlated to the global chart, the proposed Chinese(regional) Triassic chronostratigraphic chart of marine and terrestrial stages would be of importance to the study of Chinese Triassic stratigraphy and related aspects, but the stages must be conceptually in line with international standards and studied as soon as possible in order to finalize the definition.
基金supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program (B) of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant Nos. XDB26000000, XDB18000000)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 41290260, 41772004, 41772012)the Special Program for Basic Research of the Ministry of Science and Techology, China (Grant No. 2013FY111000)
文摘The Global Boundary Stratotype Sections and Points(GSSPs) for the bases of all seven international Devonian stages have been formally defined and ratified by IUGS till 1996, and nowadays, the main tasks for Devonian stratigraphers include further subdivision of these standard stages, strictly constrained absolute ages for the boundaries, and precise neritic-pelagic and marine-terrestrial correlations using multidisciplinary stratigraphy methods. Establishment of high-resolution Devonian integrative stratigraphy framework and timescale of China would play an important role in improving regional and international correlation, facilitating the recognition of important stratigraphic levels in different paleogeographic settings, and understanding the evolution pattern of biota, paleoclimate and paleoenvironment during this critical interval. Based on well-studied bio-and chronostratigraphy of Devonian in South China and adjacent areas, in combination with recent achievements in carbon isotope stratigraphy, event stratigraphy and radioactive isotope ages, this paper briefly summarize the research history and current status of Devonian chronostratigraphy of China, and for the first time introduce Devonian integrative stratigraphy framework of China.Up to date, few studies have been conducted on the astronomical cyclostratigraphy and high-resolution radioactive isotope dating in Devonian of China, which should be our main focuses in the near future.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 41690110, 41621004 and L152401)
文摘Quaternary strata in China mainly comprise continental deposits in a variety of depositional settings. The continental Quaternary in temperate northern China consists mainly of eolian and fluvio-lacustrine deposits; that in subtropical southern China, mainly of vermiculated red soils, cave/fissure deposits, and fluvio-lacustrine deposits; and that in the alpine Tibetan Plateau, mainly of fluvio-lacustrine and piedmont deposits. The marine Quaternary in China consists of detrital deposits and biogenic reef deposits. The integration of biostratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy, climatostratigraphy and an astronomically calibrated chronology has led to the establishment of high-precision climatochronostratigraphic timescales for the detrital marine Quaternary in the South China Sea and the loess-paleosol sequence in the Chinese Loess Plateau. Extremely high-precision230 Th dating has provided a high-precision absolute age model for cave stalagmites over the past 640000 years as well as highresolution oxygen isotope records representing orbital-to suborbital-scale climate changes. By combining magnetic stratigraphy and biostratigraphy, robust chronostratigraphic frameworks for non-eolian continental Quaternary deposits on the scale of Quaternary geomagnetic polarities have been established. The continental Pleistocene Series consists, from oldest to youngest,of the Nihewanian Stage of the Lower Pleistocene, the Zhoukoudianian Stage of the Middle Pleistocene, and the Salawusuan Stage of the Upper Pleistocene. Stages of the continental Holocene Series have not yet been established. This review summarizes recent developments in the Quaternary chronostratigraphy of representative Quaternary strata and associated faunas, and then proposes an integrative chronostratigraphic framework and a stratigraphic correlation scheme for Quaternary continental strata in China. In the near-future, it is hoped to establish not only a Chinese continental Quaternary climatochronostratigraphic chart on the scale of glacial-interglacial cycles but also a Quaternary integrative chronostratigraphic chart including both continental and marine strata in China.
基金This work was jointly supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 40172014)the "SSER" of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, and the Laboratory of Palaeobiology and Stratigraphy, Nanjing Institute of Geology
文摘The steps and methods for the establishment of the global boundary stratotype section and point (GSSP) are summed up briefly as follows. (i) Select rock sequences of approximately the same age duration in a region, make a thorough study of their properties or attributes in order to establish the high-resolution stratigraphic units reflecting the natural rhythms in Earth's history, and proceed by multidisciplinary comprehensive studies to reveal the relationship, including time-space relation and possible mutual causality, among the various stratigraphic units and the different natural rhythms established. (ii) Seek for the 'natural break' that represents the 'major natural changes in the historical development of the Earth' in shallow marine facies areas, which is frequently the third-order sequence boundaries. (iii) Trace from shallow marine facies areas toward the continental slope and bathyal areas to seek for a continuous depositional sequence that corresponds in time span to the 'natural break' of shallow marine facies areas. (iv) Seek for a horizon within the continuous depositional sequence that approximately coincides with the maximum regressive point in the 'natural break'. This horizon is commonly within a lowerstand systems tract (LST) or a shelf margin systems tract (SMST) of the relevant third-order sequence. (v) Seek immediately above this horizon of maximum marine regression for an organic radiation or explosion event closely related to the natural boundary, which is generally the first flooding surface (FFS) of the relevant third-order sequence. (vi) Select within the organic event deposits closely related to the FFS the base boundary of a fossil taxon with widest geographical range as the Leading Group biozone for designation of the stratigraphic boundary. (vii) Select from among the sections with continuous depositional sequence formed under similar sedimentary palaeogeographic background (in general continental slope or bathyal environments) the section which possesses the shortest distance between the base boundary of the Leading Group biozone and the immediately underlying FFS of the relevant third-order sequence as the global stratotype section. The first appearance datum (FAD) of the Leading Group biozone species in the section may be regarded as the ideal GSSP. The steps suggested above are a supplement and improvement of the currently used procedures and methods for establishing GSSP. The GSSP established by using the steps and methods suggested here would make the stratigraphic boundaries better reflect the 'major natural changes in the historical development of the Earth', more readily distinguishable and easily operable in recognition and correlation, and at the same time also make the designation of boundaries more objective.
文摘A study on the relationship between biostratigraphy and seguence stratigraphy in several designated global boundary stratotypes shows that the best way may be to take the GSSP at a point coincident with the base of the first widespread Leading Group biozone above the first flooding surface (FFS) of the relevant third-order seguence. it is suggested that the first flooding surface of the sequence should be an important reference criterion for the selection of GSSP. As the base of the first widespread Leading Group biozone chosen for the definition of GSSP could not be lower than the first flooding surface of the referred seguence, the latter surface may be an important criterion for the recognition and correlation of the chronostratigraphic boundaries.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 41430102)the Strategic Priority Cultivating Research Program, Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. XDPB05)+2 种基金the Key Research Program of Frontier Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. QYZDY-SSWDQC022)the Science and Technology Basic Work Research Program (Grant No. 2015FY310100-14)and the Chinese Commission on Stratigraphy (Grant No. DD20160120-04)
文摘The widely exposed Chinese Neogene terrestrial deposits provide the best circumstance for the establishment of an accurate chronostratigraphic system of Eurasia, and the rapidly evolved mammalian fossils contribute efficiently to the division and correlation of Asian Neogene strata. A uniform Neogene biostratigraphic framework for China has already been established,with seven mammalian ages named. With a developed stratigraphic basis for the geochronologic "ages", seven chronostratigraphic "stage" have been established for the Chinese Neogene terrestrial strata, namely the Miocene Xiejian, Shanwangian,Tunggurian, Bahean, and Baodean stages, and the Pliocene Gaozhuangian and Mazegouan stages. Based on a series of research achievements, refined biostratigraphic, paleomagnetic and isotopic methods were combined and applied to continuous sections,and a Chinese Neogene chronostratigraphic sequence with accurate geological ages was established and improved in recent years. The lower boundaries of most of the stages could be correlated with those of the marine stages in the International Chronostratigraphic Chart, except the Tunggurian Stage, which is correlated with the European land mammal age. The biostratigraphic markers of the Chinese Neogene stages are usually first appearance of a single taxon, some representing regional species replacement, others indicating intercontinental migration of certain taxa. Candidate stratotype sections have been proposed for all the Chinese Neogene stages according to the principle and rule of modern stratigraphy, and other Chinese Neogene strata in different regions are comprehensively correlated.
基金supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant Nos. XDB26000000, 18000000 and XDPB05)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 41290263)and the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (Grant No. 2013FY111000)
文摘The Carboniferous period lasted about 60 Myr, from ～358.9 Ma to ～298.9 Ma. According to the International Commission on Stratigraphy, the Carboniferous System is subdivided into two subsystems, i.e., Mississippian and Pennsylvanian, including 6 series and 7 stages. The Global Stratotype Sections and Points(GSSPs) of three stages have been ratified, the Tournaisian, Visean, and Bashkirian stages. The GSSPs of the remaining four stages(i.e., the Serpukhovian, Moscovian,Kasimovian, and Gzhelian) have not been ratified so far. This paper outlines Carboniferous stratigraphic subdivision and correlation on the basis of detailed biostratigraphy mainly from South China, and summarizes the Carboniferous chronostratigraphic framework of China. High-resolution biostratigraphic study reveals 37 conodont zones, 24 foraminiferal(including fusulinid) zones, 13 ammonoid zones, 10 brachiopod zones, and 10 rugose coral zones in the Carboniferous of China. The biostratigraphic framework based on these biozones warrants the precise correlation of regional stratigraphy of China(including2 subsystems, 4 series, and 8 stages) to that of the other regions globally. Meanwhile, the Carboniferous chemo-, sequence-,cyclo-, and event-stratigraphy of China have been intensively studied and can also be correlated worldwide. Future studies on the Carboniferous in China should focus on(1) the correlation between shallow-and deep-water facies and between marine and continental facies,(2) high-resolution astronomical cyclostratigraphy, and(3) paleoenvironment and paleoclimate analysis based on geochemical proxies such as strontium and oxygen isotopes, as well as stomatal indices of fossil plants.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 41790452, 41688103, 41172037 and 41272030)
文摘Cretaceous strata are widely distributed across China and record a variety of depositional settings. The sedimentary facies consist primarily of terrestrial, marine and interbedded marine-terrestrial deposits, of which marine and interbedded facies are relatively limited. Based a thorough review of the subdivisions and correlations of Cretaceous strata in China, we provide an up-to-date integrated chronostratigraphy and geochronologic framework of the Cretaceous system and its deposits in China.Cretaceous marine and interbedded marine-terrestrial sediments occur in southern Tibet, Karakorum, the western Tarim Basin,eastern Heilongjiang and Taiwan. Among these, the Himalayan area has the most complete marine deposits, the foraminiferal and ammonite biozonation of which can be correlated directly to the international standard biozones. Terrestrial deposits in central and western China consist predominantly of red, lacustrine-fluvial, clastic deposits, whereas eastern China, a volcanically active zone, contains clastic rocks in association with intermediate to acidic igneous rocks and features the most complete stratigraphic successions in northern Hebei, western Liaoning and the Songliao Basin. Here, we synthesise multiple stratigraphic concepts and charts from southern Tibet, northern Hebei to western Liaoning and the Songliao Basin to produce a comprehensive chronostratigraphic chart. Marine and terrestrial deposits are integrated, and this aids in the establishment of a comprehensive Cretaceous chronostratigraphy and temporal framework of China. Further research into the Cretaceous of China will likely focus on terrestrial deposits and mutual authentication techniques(e.g., biostratigraphy, chronostratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy and cyclostratigraphy). This study provides a more reliable temporal framework both for studying Cretaceous geological events and exploring mineral resources in China.
基金supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant Nos. XDPB05, XDB26000000)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 41530103, 41521061, 41290260)
文摘Silurian is a period with the shortest duration in Phanerozoic except for the Neogene and Quaternary. It represents an important and unique interval when the biotic diversity recovered quickly after the end-Ordovician mass extinction, different paleoplates or terranes conjoined, big oceans disappeared or narrowed, climate and sea level changed frequently, global biotic provincialism became weaker, some primitive plants started to occupy the land. Silurian is also the first system of which all the chronostratigraphic stratotypes(i.e. the GSSPs) including four series and seven stages were established by the International Subcommission on Silurian Stratigraphy(ISSS). Nonetheless, during the post-GSSP studies conducted by ISSS in the middle1980 s, some Silurian GSSPs were found to have some congenital defects such as no index fossils available that hinder the high resolution subdivision and correlation on a regional or global scale. In this paper, based on the latest development of Silurian study in China, the progress in biostratigraphy, chronostratigraphy, event stratigraphy(such as facies differentiation, heterochrony of black shales, marine red beds, carbonate rocks and reefs), chemostratigraphy, and tectonic stratigraphy(e.g., widespread of the late Silurian rocks in South China and its tectonic implication) are systematically summarized. Some existing problems and the areas to be focused in future work are also discussed. It is suitable for chronostratigraphic study to concentrate not only on the boundary but also doing multidisciplinary analysis on the biotic, chemical, magnetic, environmental, and chronologic aspects, in order to enhance the reliability and the potential for regional and global correlation of a certain GSSP.Some important achievements are expected in these areas in the Silurian study in China:(1) ecostratigraphy and basin analysis of the Llandovery, and the correlation of integrative stratigraphy with a high resolution;(2) establishment of the Wenlock to Pridoli chronostratigraphic framework;(3) the chemo-and magnetic stratigraphy and the age of some key intervals and horizons;(4)further investigation on paleogeography and plate tectonics; and(5) origin and early evolution of the terrestrial ecosystem. Some new breakthroughs might occur in the restudy on some of those problematic GSSPs of some particular series and stages.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 41572021)the National Commission on Stratigraphy of China
文摘The Paleogene is the first period after the Mesozoic Mass Extinction. Mammals become the dominant group in the terrestrial ecosystem with a rapid radiation, and Asia has been considered to be the origin place of several mammalian groups.The Paleogene System consists mostly of terrestrial deposits in Asia, especially in East Asia. A well-established regional chronostratigraphic framework is the foundation for understanding both the Paleogene geologic history and evolutionary history of Asia and their relationships. The Paleogene is subdivided into the Paleocene, Eocene and Oligocene in the International Chronostratigraphic Chart. Based on the land mammal ages, the Chinese terrestrial Paleogene can be subdivided into 11 stages:the Shanghuan, Nongshanian and Bayanulanian stages of the Paleocene, the Lingchan, Arshantan, Irdinmanhan, Sharamurunian,Ulangochuian and Baiyinian stages of the Eocene, and the Ulantatalian and Tabenbulukian stages of the Oligocene. These stages have distinctive paleontological characters, with special significance of fossil mammals, which provide a reliable practical basis.The bases of the Shanghuan, Lingchan, and Ulantatalian stages are coincident respectively with those of the Paleocene, Eocene and Oligocene. The ages for their bases are determined as 66.0, 56.0 and 33.9 Ma, respectively, following that for the corresponding series in the International Chronostratigraphic Chart. For other stages, estimated ages are provided based on available paleomagnetic results.
基金Supported by Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. KZCX2-YW-122)the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (Grant Nos. 2006FY120300, 2006CB806400)+1 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.40072003,40023002,40332018,40672023,40602002)the U.S. National Science Foundation (Grant No. EAR-0106883)
文摘Exposed in natural outcrops near the Duibian Village, Jiangshan County, Zhejiang Province, China, the Duibian B section is proposed as the boundary stratotype for the base of an unnamed stage termed provisionally Cambrian Stage 9. The proposed position of the GSSP is 108.12 m above the base of the Huayansi Formation, at a horizon coinciding with the first appearance of the cosmopolitan agnostoid trilobite Agnostotes orientalis. This horizon coincides also with the first appearance of the cosmopoli-tan polymerid trilobite Irvingella angustilimbata. The section fulfills all the requirements for a GSSP, and the horizon can be constrained not only by the primary stratigraphic marker (A. orientalis) but also with secondary biostratigraphic, chemostratigraphic, and sequence-stratigraphic correlation tools. The first appearance of A. orientalis is one of the most readily recognizable levels in Cambrian, and can be correlated with precision to all paleocontinents.
