古近系研究新进展

介绍国际地层委员会古近系分会在全球界线层型剖面和点位( GSSP)工作上的新进展和我国陆相古近系分阶情况。中国陆相古近系分为8个阶:上湖阶(下古新统)、池江阶(上古新统)、岭茶阶(下始新统)、卢氏阶(中始新统下部)、垣曲阶(中始新统上部)、蔡家冲阶(上始新统)、乌兰布拉格阶(下渐新统)和塔本布鲁克阶(上渐新统)。其中,白垩系-古近系界线、古新统-始新统界线和始新统-渐新统界线与国际上相应界线接近或一致。近来,在湖南衡东地区获得碳同位素负向漂移的数据,使得该剖面可与新近国际地层委员会批准的伊普里斯阶层型剖面对比,其余各个阶的界线缺少磁性地层学和同位素地层学的证据,同时也有待于国际上“金钉子”的确立     

中国奥陶系和下志留统下部年代地层单位的划分

十多年来全球和我国奥陶系和下志留统下部年代地层研究取得很大进展 ,在前人所积累的大量成果和资料的基础上 ,结合近年来的研究 ,厘定了我国奥陶系和下志留统下部年代地层单位系统 ,建议分别以吉林浑江大阳岔 (或江西武宁或湖北宜昌黄花场 )、湖北宜昌黄花场、浙江常山黄泥塘、新疆柯坪大湾沟和湖北远安苟家垭剖面为界线层型 ,将中国奥陶系自下而上划分为 :新厂阶 (或特马豆克阶 )、道保湾阶、大湾阶、达瑞维尔阶、艾家山阶和钱塘江阶。为了客观反应我国奥陶系的特点 ,同时便于与全球年代地层单位界线对比 ,建议将上述各个阶底界的的界线依次划在 R.taojiangensis( =R.praeparabola) / H .simplex、 O.communis、 B.triangularis/ T.laevis、 U.austrodentatus、 N .gracilis和 N ankinolithus带的底部 ;中下奥陶统和中上奥陶统之间的界线分别定在道保湾阶 /大湾阶和达瑞维尔阶 /艾家山阶之间。建议下志留统最下部两个年代地层单位——龙马溪阶和大中坝阶——以湖北宜昌王家湾剖面为界线层型 ,分别以 A.ascensus和 D .triangulatus的首现为划分标志。对每一个阶的命名、含义、界线层型剖面的岩性特征、界线划分的生物标志、与全球相关年代地层单位层型和点 ( GSSP)的对比 ,以及与过去曾经建议或使用过?     

新近系保德阶建阶研究新进展

根据与古地磁极性年表的对比 ,山西保德冀家沟剖面含保德动物群的保德组上界年龄为 5 .30 Ma,底界年龄不超过 10 Ma,其红黏土的底界为 8Ma,显示该剖面不存在定义的保德阶 11.2 Ma的下界 ,也没有保存保德阶下部的沉积。《国际地层指南》提倡用选择下界的界线层型来确定年代地层单位 ,其上界应该由后续单位的下界来确定。冀家沟剖面显然不具备保德阶的下界 ,但甘肃临夏盆地郭泥沟剖面含三趾马动物群的红黏土之下还有发育的中中新世沉积出露 ,因此 ,后一个地点应存在保德阶的下界 ,并有保德阶最底部的化石和适合于作古地磁分析的沉积物 ,所以临夏盆地是一个有可能建立保德阶下界界线层型的有利地点     

First carbon isotope chemostratigraphy of the Ouled Abdoun phosphate Basin,Morocco; implications for dating and evolution of earliest African placental mammals

The well-known Maastrichtian–Ypresian vertebrate-bearing phosphate series, in the Ouled Abdoun Basin, Morocco, is classically dated using regional selachian biostratigraphic zonation. These marine sediments yielded Paleocene and Eocene mammals comprising the earliest known placentals from Africa. This study provides the first insight into the organic carbon isotope chemostratigraphy (δ¹³C_org) of the Moroccan phosphate series and a refined dating of its vertebrate-bearing levels. Four Paleocene–Eocene sections in the NE Ouled Abdoun quarries show consistent δ¹³C_org long term evolutions, from the base to the top: 1) positive trend in phosphorite Bed IIa, beginning with the lower Bone Bed yielding mammals such as Eritherium, Ocepeia, Abdounodus, Lahimia, of early Thanetian and Selandian age; 2) transitional negative trend in the Intercalary phosphorite Beds II/I that includes the Otodus obliquus and Phosphatherium escuilliei Bone Bed of earliest Ypresian age; 3) negative trend to the lowermost δ¹³C_org values that are correlative to the early–middle Ypresian interval including ETM 2 and ETM 3 hyperthermal events in the global record; 4) positive trend in chert-enriched facies containing the middle Ypresian EECO global climatic event. Our chemostratigraphic study of the Ouled Abdoun phosphate series provides a new chronostratigraphic framework for calibrating the beginning of the evolution of placental mammals in Africa. The lower Bone Bed level from the Paleocene phosphorite Bed IIa yielding Eritherium is not younger than early Thanetian, and is most likely Selandian. The Phosphatherium Bone Bed in the Intercalary Beds II/I is earliest Ypresian. The phosphorite Bed 0, from which Daouitherium probably came, is early–middle Ypresian, just below the EECO. This suggests that the first large proboscideans evolved after the PETM, during mid-Ypresian warming events. The δ¹³C_org study does not support the presence of Lutetian in the NE Ouled Abdoun phosphate series and suggests that a noticeable part of the upper Thanetian is absent.     

试论地层学的新体系与建立新一代年代地层表

全球层型剖面和点（ＧＳＳＰ）应尽可能在层序界面的整合部位,从而将地层的自然界线、层 ＧＳＳＰ有机地结合起来,使年代地层界线可在野外识别和追索,层序地层可以做为岩石地层和年代地层的而独立存在,构成新的三重地层分类,地层界线的优化应尽可能与层序界面相结合,以使其具有更强的可损伤性,随着层序地层学的发展及其在地层学和概念上取得了的创新和突破,有在新的地层学体系指导下建立新一代年代地层表,从而更加客观地反     

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.     

Unit stratotypes for global stages: The Neogene perspective

Recent developments in integrated high-resolution stratigraphy and astronomical tuning of continuous deep marine successions invalidate arguments against the designation of unit stratotypes for global stages, the basic building blocks of the standard Global Chronostratigraphic Scale (GCS). For the late Neogene, Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) sections may also serve as unit stratotypes, covering the interval from the base of a stage up to the level that–time-stratigraphically–correlates with the base of the next younger stage in a continuous and well-tuned deep marine succession. The added value of such sections as unit stratotype lies in the integrated high-resolution stratigraphy and astronomical tuning, which combined, provides an excellent age control with an unprecedented resolution, precision and accuracy within the entire stage. As such they form the backbone of the new integrated late Neogene time scale and provide the basis for reconstructing Earth's history. In this way a stage is also defined by its content and not only by its boundaries. Our unit stratotype concept strengthens the importance of time-rock units by allowing the introduction of astronomically defined chronozones as formal chronostratigraphic units, thereby arguing against the elimination of the dual classification of chronostratigraphy and geochronology.Extending this concept to older time intervals requires that well-tuned, continuous deep marine sections are employed, thus necessitating the employment of multiple hole (I)ODP sites for defining (remaining) stages and stage boundaries in at least the Cenozoic and Cretaceous and possibly the entire Mesozoic. Evidently the construction of the Geological Time Scale (including the GCS) should be based on the most appropriate sections available while, where possible, taking the historical concept of global stages into account.     

Basis for chronostratigraphic classification of the Precambrian

It is urged that the same stratigraphic principles and the same basis for chronostratigraphic classification be used in the Precambrian as in other parts of the earth's stratigraphic column, although relative emphasis on different methods of age determination and time-correlation may reasonably vary, depending on their applicability in different parts of the column. The definition of the boundaries of each chronostratigraphic unit should lie in the rock strata themselves. The standard time-scope of each unit should be delimited by an upper and a lower type boundary point (boundary-stratotype), each in a specifically designated and identified stratigraphic section, chosen at a position to give the unit the greatest significance and to allow the best use of criteria of age and time-correlation in extending the boundary geographically as widely as possible away from the type at as nearly an isochronous position as possible.Schemes for dividing Precambrian time on the basis of clustering of radiometric age dates, or arbitrarily by equal time intervals in hundreds of millions of years, are commendable and may be very useful for current mapping, for indicating general age relationships, or for other purposes; but there are cautions to be considered, and such schemes should not be allowed to replace or impede efforts at classification procedures tied more closely to the rocks themselves.Regional or worldwide classification of the Precambrian should desirably rest on a firm foundation of local chronostratigraphy, starting preferably in areas where thick, relatively continuous, relatively undeformed, and relatively unmetamorphosed sequences of Precambrian strata are present.The Precambrian—Cambrian boundary should not be defined by such generalizations as “at the lowest occurrence of organized fossils” or “at the base of shelly fossils” which give boundaries that are continuously subject to change and obviously will vary in age from place to place. Rather, the definition should refer to a boundary-stratotype, which desirably may coincide in the type area with these or any other criteria that will help in the correlation of the boundary as an isochronous horizon worldwide, but will still preserve for it a stable standard.The term “Archeozoic”, although not replacing the much more widely used “Precambrian”, still may be revived usefully as a term significant of the stage of life development, paralleling Cenozoic, Mesozoic, and Paleozoic, and including all strata older than Cambrian, since we cannot now deny the possible existence of life as far back in time as the age of the oldest known rocks.     

Paleogene biostratigraphy of the North Caspian region based on dinocysts and nannofossils from the Novouzensk borehole. Article 2: Biotic events and paleoecological settings

The relatively complete late Danian-initial Lutetian succession of biotic events, which are suitable to serve as biostratigraphic reference levels for interregional correlations are defined in the section of the Novouzensk reference borehole based on dinocyst and nannoplankton assemblages. The analysis of palynological and nannofossil assemblages allows dynamics of basin development and sea-level fluctuations to be traced. Three major stages reflecting different sedimentation regimes are established in the borehole section: (1) Danian with terrigenous-carbonate sedimentation regime corresponding to the Algai and Tsyganovka formations; (2) Selandian-Thanetian (initial Eocene included) characterized largely by siliceous-terrigenous sediments of the Syzran, Novouzensk, and, partly, Bostandyk formations; (3) Ypresian-Lutetian with the carbonate-terrigenous sedimentation regime corresponding to the upper part of the Ypresian Bostandyk and Lutetian Kopterek formations. The composition of dinoflagellate and nannoplankton assemblages characterizes the North Caspian basin as an internal largely shallow sea with a changeable temperature regime. The paleoecological analysis of phytocoenoses made it possible to define basin fluctuations comparable with third-order rhythms. Four Danian rhythms definable in the Algai and Tsyganovka formations indicate conditions of an open warm-water basin. Dynamics of the step-wise shoaling of the basin was characteristic of the Selandian-early Thanetian ages with subsequent restoration of the marine regime in the late Thanetian. The Syzran Formation corresponds to two Selandian rhythms, which were formed in shallower settings of the restricted sea basin. Four Thanetian rhythms are established in the Novouzensk Formation. The early Thanetian basin was characterized by the shallowest disturbed marine conditions, which were followed by the restored normal marine regime in the late Thanetian. Six Ypresian rhythms correspond to the Bostandyk Formation (Yp-0, Yp-1, Yp-5-Yp-8) reflecting transition from initial Ypresian coastal (Yp-0, Yp-1) to normal marine conditions during the Yp-5 rhythm. The early (Yp-2-Yp-4) and late (Yp-9-Yp-10) Ypresian corresponded to the sedimentation break. Most abundant and diverse microbiotic assemblages characteristic of the Yp-7 rhythm are correlative with the EECO event. The marly Kopterek Formation corresponding to the early Lutetian rhythm (Lu-1) is characterized by diverse thermophilic biota.     

内蒙古色尔腾山地区寒武系岩石地层单位的划分

色尔腾山地区寒武系,长期以来许多学者和单位,根据三叶虫化石的时代,将其划分为三个“统”级年代地层单位,并作为基本单位进行填图。显然不符合采用岩石地层单位进行填图的要求。本文首次根据地层多重划分原则,对本区寒武纪岩石地层单位进行了划分,自下而上建立了两个组,下部为色麻沟组;上部为老孤山组。本文还对层型剖面等进行了描述。     

甘肃省北山野马街组的建立

甘肃省肃北县马宗山乡平头山北坡,出露一套变质碎屑岩。１９６８年,甘肃省区调二队将它划归蓟县系平头山群上岩组;１９８１年,缪长泉、高振家等在该群中采获叠层石,将其划归青白口系大豁落山群;１９８９年,甘肃省“地质志”将期厘定为大豁落山群下岩组,并确定与下伏平头山群的关系为平行不整合。因研究程度不够,均未正式命名。笔者依据岩石地层单位的划分原则与北山地层系统,对该套地层重新进行了研究划分,确定了单位层型与界线层型,并命名为野马街组。本文描述了该组层型剖面及延伸变化,并对时限进行了讨论。     

二叠纪地层研究述评

近二十年来 ,全球和中国的二叠纪年代地层方案基本形成。层序地层、同位素年龄和磁性极性地层也获得系统的资料 ,所以国际二叠系对比的精度大为提高。不过年代地层单位的界线层型犹待厘定 ,还存在若干重要的对比问题。     

滇东曲靖地区志留系层序地层特征和年代地层界线再讨论

曲靖地区志留—泥盆纪地层连续沉积，生物门类丰富，长期以来倍受国内外地质学家关注。笔者根据层序地层学理论和研究方法，在关底组至翠峰山组西山村段之间确定了３个三级相对海平面变化旋回（层序），这些三级旋回（层序）和旋回边界（层序边界）与Ｖａｉｌ等（１９７７）确定的全球性相对海平面变化旋回有很好的可比性。据此，结合生物组合分析曲靖地区志留系的年代界线为：（１）Ｓ Ｄ界线在玉龙寺组第二段之底（上易剥页岩之底、最大海泛面），但有一枚卢德洛上带化石Ｏｚａｒｋｏｄｉｎａｃｒｉｓｐａ出现在于上易剥页岩的中部；（２）Ｐｒｉｄｏｌｉａｎ Ｌｕｄｌｏｖｉａｎ界线置于妙高组第二段之底（第三个层序边界）；（３）Ｌｕｄｌｏｖｉａｎ Ｗｅｎｌｏｃｋｉａｎ界线置于关底组第一段上部（第二个层序边界）。     

Triassic synthems of southern South America (southwestern Gondwana) and the Western Caucasus (the northern Neotethys), and global tracing of their boundaries

Global tracing of the key surfaces of Triassic deposits may contribute significantly to the understanding of the common patterns in their accumulation. We attempt to define synthems – disconformity-bounded sedimentary complexes – in the Triassic successions of southern South America (southwestern Gondwana, Brazil and Argentina) and the Western Caucasus (the northern Neotethys, Russia), and then to trace their boundaries in the adjacent regions and globally. In southern South America, a number of synthems have been recognized – the Cuyo Basin: the Río Mendoza–Cerro de las Cabras Synthem (Olenekian–Ladinian) and the Potrerillos–Cacheuta–Río Blanco Synthem (Carnian–Rhaetian); the Ischigualasto Basin: the Ischichuca-Los Rastros Synthem (Anisian–Ladinian) and the Ischigualasto–Los Colorados Synthem (Carnian–Rhaetian); the Chaco–Paraná Basin: the Sanga do Cabral Synthem (Induan), the Santa Maria 1 Synthem (Ladinian), the Santa Maria 2 Synthem (Carnian), and the Caturrita Synthem (Norian); western Argentina: the Talampaya Synthem (Lower Triassic) and the Tarjados Synthem (Olenekian?). In the Western Caucasus, three common synthems have been distinguished: WC-1 (Induan–Anisian), WC-2 (uppermost Anisian–Carnian), and WC-3 (Norian–lower Rhaetian). The lower boundary of WC-1 corresponds to a hiatus whose duration seems to be shorter than that previously postulated. The synthem boundaries that are common to southwestern Gondwana and the Western Caucasus lie close to the base and top of the Triassic. The Lower Triassic, Ladinian, and Upper Triassic disconformities are traced within the studied basins of southern South America, and the first two are also established in South Africa. The Upper Triassic disconformity is only traced within the entire Caucasus, whereas all synthem boundaries established in the Western Caucasus are traced partly within Europe. In general, the synthem boundaries recognized in southern South America and the Western Caucasus are correlated to the global Triassic sequence boundaries and sea-level falls. Although regional peculiarities are superimposed on the appearance of global events in the Triassic synthem architecture, the successful global tracing suggests that planetary-scale mechanisms of synthem formation existed and that they were active in regions dominated by both marine and non-marine sedimentation.     

The Palaeocene–Middle Eocene deposits of Sardinia (Italy) and their palaeoclimatic significance

The Palaeocene of southern Sardinia includes a continental ferruginous sedimentation, with a high content of Al and Fe, indicative of a subhumid tropical climate. The subsequent microcodium carbonated detrital microcodium levels, containing an abundant quartzose fraction, rather suggest semiarid conditions. In SW Sardinia, the marine deposits, referred to Late Thanetian–Lower Ypresian (=Ilerdian) times, are limestones including larger foraminifers and contain significant amounts of quartz. A lower content of detrital kaolinite points a sediment source from the surrounding areas with a semiarid climate. The occurrence, at the top of this unit, of small trochospiral rotaliids and larger amount of detrital kaolinite suggests a transition to a rainy tropical climate in the adjacent areas. These limestones pass gradually to carbonate sediments characterized by large amounts of detrital kaolinite and intercalated coal layers, with pollen of tropical palms, attributed to the Late Ypresian (=Cuisian)–Early Lutetian and referred to a humid-subhumid tropical climate.     

论吉林浑江大阳岔寒武、奥陶系的分界

<正> 我国寒武-奥陶系界线的研究在20年代就已涉及(孙云铸,1923),周志毅、张进林(1978)认为我国北方寒武-奥陶系的界线应该划在上寒武统的Mictosaukia orientalis组合与下奥陶统的Onychopyge-Leiostegium组合之间;并且认为这条界线大致可与澳大利亚昆士兰上寒武统Payntonian顶部的Mictosaukia perplexa带与下奥陶统Datsonian底部Cordylodus proavus带之间的界线进行对比。周志毅、王志浩等(1984)根据三叶虫、     

Late Cretaceous calcareous nannofossil and planktonic foraminiferal bioevents of the shallow-marine carbonate platform in the Mitla Pass, west central Sinai, Egypt

The first detailed biostratigraphic analyses of the Coniacian-middle Campanian shallow-marine carbonate successions exposed in the Mitla Pass, west central Sinai, Egypt have revealed the stratigraphic distribution of diverse calcareous nannofossil and planktonic foraminiferal species. Thirty-six calcareous nannofossils and thirty-two planktonic foraminifera are identified, indicating a Coniacian to middle Campanian age and four Tethyan planktonic foraminiferal and five calcareous nannofossil zones. A comparison of these bioevents from different palaeolatitudes shows considerable variation in age.Three sequence boundaries coincident with the Turonian/Coniacian, Coniacian/Santonian and Santonian/Campanian stage boundaries are recognized. A fourth sequence boundary is marked by a major upper Campanian to early Ypresian (early Eocene) unconformity. These sequence boundaries are primarily related to regional tectonism associated with the Syrian Arc Fold System and secondarily to eustatic sea-level fluctuations.     

第三纪年代地层研究和中国第三纪年代地层表

主要介绍国际上第三纪年代地层和年代学研究最新简况 ,显示几个重要的年代地层表或年代表 ,并报道全国地层委员会 1999年 12月断代专业组工作会议关于建立中国年代地层表中第三纪年代地层构架讨论的初步方案。     

Stratigraphy,sedimentology and tectonic evolution of the Upper Cretaceous/Paleogene succession in north Eastern Desert,Egypt

The stratigraphy, sedimentology and syn-depositional tectonic events (SdTEs) of the Upper Cretaceous/Paleogene (K–P) succession at four localities in north Eastern Desert (NED) of Egypt have been studied. These localities are distributed from south-southwest to north-northeast at Gebel Millaha, at North Wadi Qena, at Wadi El Dakhal, and at Saint Paul Monastery. Lithostratigraphically, four rock units have been recorded: Sudr Formation (Campanian–Maastrichtian); Dakhla Formation (Danian–Selandian); Tarawan Formation (Selandian–Thanetian) and Esna Formation (Thanetian–Ypresian). These rock units are not completely represented all over the study area because some of them are absent at certain sites and others have variable thicknesses. Biostratigrapgically, 18 planktonic foraminiferal zones have been recorded. These are in stratigraphic order: Globotruncana ventricosa Zone (Campanian); Gansserina gansseri, Contusotruncana contusa, Recimguembelina fructicosa, Pseudohastigerina hariaensis, Pseudohastigerina palpebra and Plummerita hantkenenoides zones (Maastrichtian); Praemurica incostans, Praemurica uncinata, Morozovella angulata and Praemurica carinata/Igorina albeari zones (Danian); Igorina albeari, Globanomanlina pseudomenradii/Parasubbotina variospira, Acarinina subsphaerica, Acarinina soldadoensis/Globanomanlina pseudomenardii and Morozovella velascoensis zones (Selandian/Thantian); and Acarinina sibaiyaensis, Pseudohastigerina wilcoxensis/Morozovella velascoensis zones (earliest Ypresian). Sedimentologically, four sedimentary facies belts forming southwest gently-dipping slope to basin transect have been detected. They include tidal flats, outer shelf, slumped continental slope and open marine hemipelagic facies. This transect can be subdivided into a stable basin plain plus outer shelf in the extreme southwestern parts; and an unstable slope shelf platform in the northeastern parts. The unstable slope shelf platform is characterized by open marine hemipelagic, fine-grained limestones and fine siliciclastic shales (Sudr, Dakhla, Tarawan and Esna formations). The northeastern parts are marked by little contents of planktonic foraminifera and dolomitized, slumped carbonates, intercalated with basinal facies. Tectonically, four remarkable syn-depositional tectonic events (SdTEs) controlled the evolution of the studied succession. These events took place strongly within the Campanian–Ypresian time interval and were still active till Late Eocene. These events took place at: the Santonian/Campanian (S/C) boundary; the Campanian/Maastrichtian (C/M) boundary; the Cretaceous/Paleogene (K/P) boundary; and the Middle Paleocene–Early Eocene interval. These tectonic events are four pronounced phases in the tectonic history of the Syrian Arc System (SAS), the collision of the Afro-Arabian and Eurasian plates as well as the closure of the Tethys Sea.     

A Comprehensive Evaluation on the Devonian-Carboniferous Boundary Stratotype Candidate Section in Nanbiancun,Guilin, Guangxi1

Abstract This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation on the Devonian-Carboniferous Boundary (DCB) section in Nanbiancun, Guilin, Guangxi on the basis of Palaeontological, biostratigraphical and sedimentary petrological studies as well as microfacies analysis, REE and trace element analysis and isotopic dating. The DCB at this section conforms to the definition of this boundary and essentially measure up the criteria and conditions for selection of the boundary stratotype. Up to 14 fossil groups are contained in the section. The section presents a general biostratigraphical framework with multispecies fossils zones, assemblage zones and multiple groups of fossils and has latent preponderant conditions for magnetostratigraphic and chronostratigraphic studies. The boundary and point occur in a persistent and continuous monofacial carbonate succession, and the section is located in a tourist city with convenient communication, where various facies of DCB sections are developed, allowing the correlation within a small area. So it is an ideal candidate boundary stratotype.