The Yudomian of Siberia,Vendian and Ediacaran systems of the International stratigraphic scale

In Russia, the terminal Neoproterozoic formally includes the Vendian of western part of the East European platform and the concurrent Yudoma Group of Siberia. As is shown in this work, the designated subdivisions correspond in the stratotypes only to the upper, Yudomian Series of the Vendian. In the Siberian platform, the Ust-Yudoma and Aim horizons of the Yudomian are tightly interrelated. The lower of them, bearing remains of Ediacaran Fauna, represents the Ediacarian Stage, whereas the upper one containing small-shelled fossils (SSF) corresponds to the Nemakit-Daldynian Stage divided into the trisulcatus and antiqua superregional zones. In more complete sections of the platform periphery, sediments of these subdivisions conformably rest on siliciclastic succession that should be ranked as basal subdivision of the Yudomian. The succession is concurrent to the Laplandian Stage of the East European platform. According to geochronological dates obtained recently, the Yudomian Series spans interval of 600–540 Ma. In the East European platform, the Upper Vendian (Yudomian) begins with the Laplandian basal tillites of synonymous stage. In the west of the platform, tillites are dated at 600 Ma like the Upper Vendian base in Siberia. The next Ediacarian Stage of the East European platform is stratigraphic equivalent of the Redkino Horizon, while summary range of the Kotlin and Rovno horizons is concurrent to that of the Nemakit-Daldynian Stage. The Vendian of Russia is conformably overlain by the Tommotian Stage of the Lower Cambrian. Intense pre-Vendian events constrained distribution areas of the Lower Vendian sediments in Russia. The Lower Vendian deposits of the East European platform are most representative and well studied in the central Urals, where they are attributed to the Serebryanka Group. In Siberia, separate subdivisions representing the Lower Vendian are the Maastakh Formation of the Olenek Uplift, two lower members of the Ushakovka Formation in the Baikal region, and the Taseeva Group of the Yenisei Range. Chronological interval of the Lower Vendian corresponds to 650–600 Ma. The Marinoan Glaciation dated in Australia at 650–635 Ma is concurrent to basal part of the pre-Yudomian interval of the Vendian in Russia, whereas the Laplandian Tillite and Gaskiers Glaciation (600–580 Ma) correspond to onset of the Yudomian Epoch. The new Ediacaran System (Knoll et al., 2004) legalized in the International Neoproterozoic scale is close in range to the entire Vendian (635–544 Ma), although without basal beds (Marinoan Tillite) it deprives the terminal Neoproterozoic of its original sense. Inferiority of the system consists also in its indivisibility into stages. Hence, it is clear that the Vendian System subdivided in detail in Russia should be retained in the rank of terminal system of the Precambrian, one of the basic in general scale of the Neoproterozoic.     

中国地层学研究近期面临的主要问题

地层中包含了地球演化过程的许多重要信息,它是建立全球地质年代系统的重要基础。统一年代地层系统的建立有利于促进基础地质工作、矿产资源勘查、地质环境评价和地质灾害预测与防治等各项事业的发展,因此一直受到广大地质工作者的高度重视。目前在《国际地层表》已建的110个阶中,已有65个全球界线层型剖面和点位(简称GSSP)被国际地层委员会和国际地质科学联合会批准确认,其中有10个GSSP被确立在中国,我国是拥有GSSP最多的国家。在中国区域年代地层表的102个阶中,也有59个阶得到了较深入的研究,并建立了部分地层单位的划分对比标准。虽然我国的地层学研究取得了许多重要成果,但是在中国区域地层标准的建立与完善以及区域地层单位与GSSP的对比、变形和变质较强烈地区地层学研究方法的确定、广泛分布的中新生代陆相地层划分对比、中国典型地层剖面保护和规范化研究等方面还存在诸多尚未解决的重要问题,急待深入研究。     

解读国际地层委员会2004年前寒武纪地层表及2004-2008年参考方案

国际地层委员会前不久公布了2 0 0 4年“国际地层表”,并专门提出了“2 0 0 4—2 0 0 8年前寒武纪年表参考方案”。在2 0 0 4年版“国际地层表”中,新建了埃迪卡拉系,其时限从6 30 Ma至5 4 2 Ma。“2 0 0 4—2 0 0 8年前寒武系划分参考方案”指出应该根据唯一客观的物理标准——现存的岩石记录,对前寒武纪地质年表重新进行界定。前寒武纪的地层界线应标定于地层记录中的关键事件或转变点上,以突出反映地球系统演化的巨变。在介绍有关埃迪卡拉系的背景、地质特征和时限的同时,对“参考方案”中有关前寒武系划分原则和具体划分方案的新思路进行了介绍和评述,对“参考方案”中值得商榷的问题进行了初步分析,并对我国前寒武纪年代表制定中有关重点提出了建议     

Status of Stratigraphy Research in China

Scientific research and productive practice for earth history are inseparable from the accurate stratigraphic framework and time framework. Establishing the globally unified, precise and reliable chronostratigraphic series and geological time series is the major goal of the International Commission on Stratigraphy(ICS). Under the leadership of the ICS, the countries around the world have carried out research on the Global Standard Stratotype-section and Points(GSSPs) for the boundaries of chronostratigraphic systems. In the current International Chronostratigraphic Chart(ICC), 65 GSSPs have been erected in the Phanerozoic Eonothem, and one has yet been erected in the Precambrian Eonothem. Based on the progress of research on stratigraphy especially that from its subcommissions, the ICS is constantly revising the ICC, and will publish a new International Stratigraphic Guide in 2020. After continual efforts and broad international cooperation of Chinese stratigraphers, 10 GSSPs within the Phanerozoic Eonothem have been approved and ratified to erect in China by the ICS and IUGS. To establish the standards for stratigraphic division and correlation of China, with the support from the Ministry of Science and Technology, the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the China Geological Survey, Chinese stratigraphers have carried out research on the establishment of Stages in China. A total of 102 stages have been defined in the "Regional Chronostratigraphic Chart of China(geologic time)", in which 59 stages were studied in depth. In 2014, the "Stratigraphic Chart of China" was compiled, with the essential contents as follows: the correlation between international chronostratigraphy and regional chronostratigraphy of China(geologic time), the distributive status of lithostratigraphy, the characteristics of geological ages, the biostratigraphic sequence, the magnetostratigraphy, the geological events and eustatic sea-level change during every geological stage. The "Stratigraphical Guide of China and its Explanation(2014)" was also published. Chinese stratigraphers have paid much attention to stratigraphic research in south China, northeast China, north China and northwest China and they have made great achievements in special research on stratigraphy, based on the 1:1000000, 1:250000, 1:200000 and 1:50000 regional geological survey projects. Manifold new stratigraphic units were discovered and established by the regional geological surveys, which are helpful to improve the regional chronostratigraphic series of China. On the strength of the investigation in coastal and offshore areas, the status of marine strata in China has been expounded. According to the developing situation of international stratigraphy and the characteristics of Chinese stratigraphic work, the contrast relation between regional stratigraphic units of China and GSSPs will be established in the future, which will improve the application value of GSSPs and the standard of regional stratigraphic division and correlation. In addition, the study of stratigraphy of the Precambrian, terrestrial basins and orogenic belts will be strengthened, the Stratigraphic Chart of China will be improved, the typical stratigraphic sections in China will be protected and the applied study of stratigraphy in the fields of oil and gas, solid minerals, etc. will be promoted. On the ground of these actions, stratigraphic research will continue to play a great role in the social and economic development of China.     

General Stratigraphic Scale of Russia: State of the art and problems

The history of the development of the General Stratigraphic Scale (GSS), its significance, purpose, and difference from the International Stratigraphic Chart (ISC) are briefly reported. The most global achievements in the GSS refinement based on the Proceedings of the All-Russian conference at the Geological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (May 2013) are considered. The main problems related to the GSS improvement are formulated: the structure of the Precambrian and Quaternary stratigraphic scales, the location of the Vendian System in the GSS, formal substantiation of the “Russian” stages of the Cambrian, Carboniferous, and Permian Systems, and the significance of the regional limitotypes of the ISC subdivisions.     

A pronounced negative δ13C excursion in an Ediacaran succession of western Yangtze Platform: A possible equivalent to the Shuram event and its implication for chemostratigraphic correlation in South China

A pronounced negative δ¹³C shift that can be potentially correlated with the Shuram excursion has been reported from middle Ediacaran strata in the Yangtze Gorges area of South China. Whether it represents a perturbation to the ocean carbon cycle or a record of post-depositional alteration is still open to debate. Resolving this controversy will help clarify if δ¹³C variations can be used for chemostratigraphic correlation of Ediacaran successions. To further understand the regional pattern of Ediacaran carbon isotopic excursions in the Yangtze platform, we carried out a detailed δ¹³C analysis of the Lianghong section in the western part of the Yangtze platform. The Ediacaran System at Lianghong is overlain by the Maidiping Formation yielding early Cambrian small shelly fossils and underlain by the Cryogenian Lieguliu Formation diamictite and tuffaceous siltstones. It comprises the Guanyinya and Hongchunping formations, which have been traditionally correlated with the Doushantuo and Dengying formations, respectively, in the Yangtze Gorges area. Two negative δ¹³C excursions occur in the Lianghong section. The lower one at the uppermost Guanyinya Formation, with a nadir at − 8.6‰, may be correlated with the pronounced negative δ¹³C shift (EN3) in the uppermost Doushantuo Formation in the Yangtze Gorges area and possibly with the well known Shuram event in Oman. The upper negative δ¹³C excursion occurs in the upper Hongchunping Formation and may be correlated with negative excursions (EN4) near the Ediacaran/Cambrian boundary. Other negative δ¹³C excursions (e.g., EN1 and EN2) are not expressed in the Lianghong section because the lower Guanyinya Formation is dominated by siliciclastic rocks. Combined with previously published Ediacaran δ¹³C profiles, our results indicate that the EN3 excursion (likely a Shuram equivalent) may occur widely in South China and can be a useful chemostratigraphic feature for regional and global stratigraphic correlation.     

华南峡东地区埃迪卡拉（震旦）纪年代地层划分初探

华南峡东地区埃迪卡拉纪地层连续,出露完整,化石丰富,顶、底界线清楚,是世界上同时代地层最具代表性的序列之一,也是解决埃迪卡拉纪年代地层划分、竞争相关界线层型剖面的最理想地区之一。根据近年来峡东地区埃迪卡拉系的同位素年代学、生物地层学和化学地层学等方面的研究积累,本文以生物地层序列(生物演化阶段)为基础标志,以碳稳定同位素组成的重要变化界面为辅助标志,对峡东地区埃迪卡拉纪地层进行年代地层的划分,提出2统5阶方案。下统名称建议用峡东统,下分九龙湾阶和陈家园子阶;上统名称建议用扬子统,下分吊崖坡阶、第四阶和第五阶。在此基础上,根据生物地层和碳稳定同位素地层学的特征,初步探讨了与其他地区埃迪卡拉系的对比关系。这一划分和对比方案只是目前研究的阶段性认识,更完整的划分对比意见还有待今后的进一步完善。     

新近系研究进展简介

新近系各阶全球层型剖面和点位( GSSP)的选定工作近年来取得了许多实质性的进展,至今上新统3个阶的GSSP已全部获得批准,中新统有3个阶获批准、2个阶有望在2 0 0 4年获得通过、1个阶的指示事件尚未确定,有待进一步的工作。除介绍新近系各个阶最新的GSSP内容外,还就中国陆相新近系建阶工作的进展和研究重点作了简要的回顾与展望,认为上新统麻则沟阶、高庄阶和中新统谢家阶有望在命名剖面定义底界的界线层型和点位,中新统保德阶、通古尔阶和山旺阶的底界有待在甘肃临夏盆地、兰州盆地和秦安地区寻找。中国陆相新近系建阶工作的开展与完成,会给中国地层学研究工作带来积极而又深远的影响。     

Lower Vendian microfossil assemblages of East Siberia: Significance for solving regional stratigraphic problems

Both published and original data are used for the analysis of the stratigraphic position and taxonomic characteristics for acanthomorphic microfossils of the Pertatataka type in Lower Vendian sediments of the central and southeastern Siberian Platform and its surrounding structures. Four taxonomically different microbiotas are distinguished in sections of the Nepa-Botuoba, Fore-Patom; Syugdzher, Anabar, Zhuya-Lena, and Berezovo lithotectonic zones: two diverse (Nepa and Ura) and two impoverished (Otradnino and Torga) each including diagnostic Early Vendian taxa. Beyond the Siberian Platform, genera and species characterizing these microbiotas occur in single assemblages and represent diagnostic taxa of the second (Tc-Sr-Vl) and third (Ti-Cg-Mp) zones of the acritarch scale proposed by Australian geologists as a biostratigraphic basis for subdividing the Ediacarian of the Standard stratigraphic scale (SSS). In the Russian General stratigraphic scale, the distribution of Pertatataka acritarchs corresponds to the Lower Vendian. The appearance and mass development of acanthomorphic microorganisms represents a global biological event, which should be taken into consideration as a biostratigraphic criterion for defining the Vendian System. For substantiating age, the following species among diagnostic Lower Vendian forms of East Siberia should be used: Appendisphaera grandis, “Appendisphaera” tabifica, A. tenuis, Ceratosphaeridium glaberosum, Dicrospinosphaera virgata, Multifronsphaeridium pelorium, “Polygonium” cratum, Tanarium conoideum, Variomargosphaeridium litoschum, and Talakania obscura. These taxa are readily recognizable, morphologically stable, and characterized by their wide lateral distribution and relatively narrow stratigraphic range. Their occurrence in the upper part of the Dal’nyaya Taiga Group of the Baikal-Patom region indicates that host sediments should be attributed to the Lower Vendian, not the Upper Riphean as is currently accepted.     

C and Sr isotope chemostratigraphy of Vendian-Lower Cambrian carbonate sequences in the central Siberian Platform

We propose a detailed δ¹³C curve for the Vendian and Lower Cambrian (Tommotian) strata of the central Siberian Platform. Two positive carbon isotope excursions identified near the base of the Yuryakh Formation (up to 5.5‰) and in the lower Bilir Formation (up to 5‰) are assigned to the lowermost and middle Tommotian, respectively. This correlation is supported by paleontological data, specific ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values (0.70845-0.70856), and similar C isotope record in coeval Early Cambrian basins. The documented minor vertical oscillations (a few meters) of these isotope excursions relative to the formation boundaries in remote boreholes is presumably caused by the spatiotemporal migration of facies. A high-amplitude negative δ¹³C excursion (-8 to -11‰) in the upper Nepa Regional Stage putatively corresponds to the global Shuram-Wonoka negative carbon isotope excursion (Middle Ediacaran). Carbonates of the lower Nepa Regional Stage (Besyuryakh Formation) demonstrate positive δ¹³C values (up to 5‰) and minimum ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.70796-0.70832. The C and Sr isotope record of the Nepa Regional Stage provides its robust correlation with the Dal’nyaya Taiga and Zhuya Groups of the Patom Foredeep. Micropaleontological data herein reported and glacial diamictites documented at the base of the Vendian sedimentary cover both in the central Patom Foredeep and on its periphery suggest a full stratigraphic volume of the Ediacaran System in the most stratigraphically complete sections of the central Siberian Platform.     

The stratotype and facies of the glacial Lower Vendian Nichatka Formation,Chara River basin,Central Siberia

Sediments of the Nichatka Formation are facially studied and thoroughly described, the sections are correlated, and the subformations are recognized. The formation represents a key stratigraphic unit to reveal the origin of the Central Siberian glacial horizon and to correlate it with glacial horizons in other regions of the world, namely, with the Laplandian Horizon of the Lower Vendian, Nantou and Marino tillites, etc. The Nichatka Formation is correlated with the glacial Bolshoi Patom (Dzhemkukan) Formation of the Vendian reference section at the Ura Uplift. Unlike the latter, it is mainly composed of continental glacial deposits and is marked by a complex facies composition. The glacial origin of the Nichatka Formation is reliably determined on the basis of a set of diagnostic characters. This permits a more complete reconstruction of the Early Vendian depositional environments. In addition to typical basal tillites and marginal moraine deposits, the formation includes glaciolacustrine and fluvioglacial sediments along with aquatillites, allotillites, and the glacial fan, including subaqueous, deposits.     

南岭成矿带前寒武纪地层区划与岩石地层的厘定

南岭成矿带前寒武系为金、铁、锰、磷及铅锌的赋矿层位,近年来由于高精度测年数据的应用,建立了较为清晰的年代地层格架,然而由于历史原因,前寒武系岩石地层序列在湘黔桂赣粤交界地区存在同物异名现象,不利于地质矿产图的编制,需要重新厘定完善。本文以武陵运动构造面为界,将南岭成矿带大地构造演化分为两个阶段,按中元古代至青白口纪早期、青白口纪晚期至震旦纪划分出不同地层区。早期划分出两个地层区—扬子与华夏地层区,晚期同属于华南地层区,依据处于盆地不同位置,再划分为六个地层分区。本文重点对湘黔桂交界地区的青白口系上部层位、赣湘桂地区南华系和震旦系进行了梳理,初步形成前寒武纪岩石地层序列,不再采用部分岩石地层单位,以便于编制该地区地质矿产图。     

Stratigraphic subdivision and correlation of the Carboniferous System in South China

The Carboniferous System of South China is famous for its well-developed rock sequence, variety of depositional types, and abundant fossils. Three established Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) markers have been identified in several sections in South China. Of these sections, the Pengchong section is the GSSP for the base of the Visean Stage, whereas the Dapoushang and Naqing (Nashui) sections are excellent reference sections for the bases of the Tournaisian and Bashkirian stages, respectively. Other sections have good potential for the four unestablished GSSPs and the Devonian–Carboniferous boundary in South China. The Naqing (Nashui) section is a candidate for the GSSPs of four stages: the Serpukhovian, Moscovian, Kasimovian, and Gzhelian stages. The regional stages of China include the Tangbagouan, Jiusian, Shangsian, Dewuan, Luosuan, Huashibanian, Dalaun, and Xiaodushanian. The history, definitions, reference sections, sedimentary characteristics, biostratigraphy, and correlations of these Chinese regional stages are summarized. A Carboniferous stratigraphic chart of South China is provided, showing the correlation of global chronostratigraphic and biostratigraphic units with those in South China and the lithostratigraphic units of various areas in South China. The chart is presented as a new practical framework for the stratigraphic subdivision and correlation of the Carboniferous System in South China.     

迎接寒武系全球年代地层的新划分——2004年版“国际地层表”述评

评述了国际地层委员会最新公布的2 0 0 4年版“国际地层表”的寒武系部分,包括它的底界全球层型和点位的确定和存在的问题、寒武系当前的再划分情况、芙蓉统和排碧阶及其底界全球层型剖面和点位、寒武系的时代跨度。介绍了全球寒武系年代地层的研究方向和正在表决中的全球寒武系最新划分方案。讨论了与我国寒武系年代地层的划分和建立地方性、区域性年代地层系统的相关问题     

New data on Late Vendian problematic fossils from the genus Harlaniella

The morphology and stratigraphic distribution of Harlaniella podolica Sokolov, 1972 and H. ingriana Ivantsov, sp. nov. were investigated using the collection of impressions sampled recently in Upper Vendian sections of Russia (southeastern White Sea region) and Ukraine (Podoliya). These fossils, which were previously considered as representing coprolites or grazing or locomotion traces, are interpreted as internal casts and impressions of fragments of tubes of initially organic composition. Streptichnus narbonnei Jensen et Runnegar, 2005 from Vendian-Cambrian boundary strata of Namibia are also attributed to this group. It is assumed that the tubes are similar to remains of the algal genera Vendotaenia Gnilovskaya, 1971 from Vendian deposits of the East European Platform and Liulingjitaenia Chen et Xiao, 1992 from Sinian sections of China.     

国际末前寒武系研究展望

<正> 地球历史长达46亿年,可是在国际年代地层表中,系(纪)以及更详细的划分直到目前还仅限于距今大约6亿年以来寒武纪开始之后的显生宙(Phanerozoic)。一个笼统的术语“前寒武纪(Precambrian)”,包括太古宙(Archean)和元古宙(Proterozoic),概括了寒武纪以前长达40亿年之久、占整个地球历史85％以上的漫长时期(Hedberg,1976)。这种极端的不平衡在一定程度上客观地反映出地质学家在前寒武系研究中所遇到的巨大困难。     

Finding of the Ediacaran-Vendian fossils in the Far Taiga Deposits, Patom highlands

The first finding of prints of the Vendian Beltanelloides sorichevae Sokolov 1965 in the lower part of the Barakun Formation confirms the Vendian age of the Far Taiga Group, Patom Complex. This finding also raises a problem concerning the lower propagation limit of Beltanelloides sorichevae.     

地层学的几个基本问题及中国地层学可能的发展趋势

对地层学的几个基本问题,包括地层分类、国际地层表的建立、全球地层标准剖面及剖面点进行了讨论。在各种地层分类体系中,年代地层学和岩石地层学是分类中的主体,其他系统都居于补充或从属的地位。国际地层表是地质学的基本文件和地学研究的主要参照,其建立的基础应是地史上关键性地质事件的记录,其方法应是多学科的综合研究。前寒武纪与显生宙划分的建立标准应是一致的。国际地层委员会制订的GSSP做出了重大贡献,但所定点位不够稳定,点位以外无法对比,在实践上和认知上都有不足。可考虑用多学科综合研究,寻觅接近等时的物理界面取代剖面点作为地层界面。在中国地层研究方面,以三次全国地层会议为准,分阶段概括论述了半世纪以来做出的主要成果。对今后中国地层研究的可能趋势提出了一些看法。主要是:应从系统论、整体观和复杂性观点的高度开展多学科的融合,共同解决地层的时空关系和划分对比等复杂问题;应当扩大服务面和扩展研究面,着重开展以古环境和古气候为中心的地层研究,协助解决与经济建设中的资源与环境两大主题有关的地质课题;制订2008年后的中、长期规划,改进GSSP程序,持续完善《国际地层表》这一永恒任务;开展高分辨率、高精度地层学研究,建立融合及协调多种分支学科的综合地层学;扩大地层学对整个地球科学的服务,使中国地层学研究进入一个新的阶段。     

Microfossils from cap dolomites of the Lower Vendian Churochnaya Formation in the Polyudov Range (North Urals): Paleoecological approach to interpretation of Late Proterozoic glaciations

Microfossils from silicified varieties of cap dolomites crowning the section of the tillite-bearing Lower Vendian (Ediacaran) Churochnaya Formation in the Polyudov Range (North Urals) are characterized. These microfossils are the first to be found from Vendian sections of the region and from all the terminal post-glacial sediments, one of the most significant global glaciation Marinoan of the African Glacial Era, when glaciers reached the equator. They are represented by remains of hormogonian and chrococcacean cyanobacteria as well as possible green filamentous algae. This microbiotic assemblage is of relatively low diversity, being composed of taxa with wide stratigraphic ranges characteristic of Proterozoic conservative microbiotas developed in shallow-water siliceous-carbonate facies. The lack of phytoplanktonic microfossils in this biota including Pertatataka-type acanthomorphic acritarchs or Ediacaran Complex Acanthomorph Palynoflora (ECAP) is also consistent with the conclusion on shallow-water deposition of the Churochnaya Formation. Moreover, most cyanobacteria representatives occurring in the latter are characteristic of shallow-water arid environments that confirm a theory of significant temperature increase during accumulation of the cap dolomites after termination of the above-mentioned glaciation. In addition to these microfossils, the cap dolomite member of the Churochnaya Formation contains filamentous and coccoidal pseudofossils formed under influence of post-sedimentary fluids. In their morphometric parameters, they resemble structures described from Archean sections as microfossil remains, which may be a key to interpreting their nature.     

Association of macro- and microfossils in the Vendian (Ediacaran) postglacial successions in Western Mongolia

The Vendian (Ediacaran) beds of the Zavkhan Basin, in the upper part of the Tsagaanolom Formation (<632 ± 14 Ma), yielded a new “Zavkhan” association of algae, microfossils, and problematic organisms, which is established in the series of alternating chert-carbonate shale with phosphorite interbeds. This association is distinct in the predomination of large (250 μm and over) sphaeromorphic microfossils of the genera Tasmanites, Archaeooides, and Leiosphaeridia, whereas acanthomorph acritarchs are represented by rarely found Cavaspina sp. and Tanarium sp. Multicellular algae included fragments of encrusting or foliate thalli with pseudoparenchymatous structure of polygonal cells characteristic of Rhodophyta algae (Thallophycoides sp.), and cordlike thalli of Vendotaenid algae Tyrasotaenia podolica. These layers of siltstone contain imprints of the problematic Vendian macrofossil Beltanelliformis brunsae. In their stratigraphic position, chemostratigraphic data, and fossil assemblage, the “Zavkhan” association can be assigned to the Upper Vendian.