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The newly-developed Cambrian biostratigraphic succession and chronostratigraphic scheme for South China

  • Review / Geology
  • Published:
Chinese Science Bulletin

Abstract

Biostratigraphy and chronostratigraphy are common means of subdividing rock strata. The biostratigraphic succession and chronostratigraphic scheme are regarded as the basis for the subdivision and correlation of regional and global stratigraphic units. This paper reviews research on the biostratigraphy and chronostratigraphy carried out in the Jiangnan Slope Belt, South China since 1978, and, in particular, the biostratigraphic succession and chronostratigraphic scheme developed in the last decade. The updated biostratigraphic succession of South China includes 36 biozones, the base of each of which is defined by the first appearance of a single taxon (index fossil), and a poorly fossiliferous interzone. The updated chronostratigraphic scheme of South China comprises 4 series and 10 stages, embracing 3 global chronostratigraphic units, the Guzhangian Stage, Furongian Series, and Paibian Stage, and 2 GSSPs, all of which are erected in northwestern Hunan and 2 International Tie Points recognized in sections also in northwestern Hunan and each was accepted by the International Subcommission on Cambrian Stratigraphy for defining the base of the global stage. The biostratigraphic and chronostratigraphic systems are recognized as Chinese standards both domestically and worldwide. Future research is suggested for improving the two sets of stratigraphic standards.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Paleobiology and Stratigraphy, Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China

    ShanChi Peng

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Correspondence to ShanChi Peng.

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Supported by the Key-Direction Project of Knowledge Innovation Program, Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. KZCX2-YW-122), National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2006CB806400, 2006FY120300), and National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 40023002 and 400332018)

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Peng, S. The newly-developed Cambrian biostratigraphic succession and chronostratigraphic scheme for South China. Chin. Sci. Bull. 54, 4161–4170 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11434-009-0667-4

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