Formal ratification of the Quaternary System/Period and the Pleistocene Series/Epoch with a base at 2.58 Ma
University of Cambridge · Brock University · +3 more institutions
Abstract
Abstract In June 2009, the Executive Committee of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) formally ratified a proposal by the International Commission on Stratigraphy to lower the base of the Quaternary System/Period to the Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) of the Gelasian Stage/Age at Monte San Nicola, Sicily, Italy. The Gelasian until then had been the uppermost stage of the Pliocene Series/Epoch. The base of the Gelasian corresponds to Marine Isotope Stage 103, and has an astronomically tuned age of 2.58 Ma. A proposal that the base of the Pleistocene Series/Epoch be lowered to coincide with that of the Quaternary (the Gelasian GSSP) was also accepted by the IUGS Executive Committee.…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 57.20
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 54
Authors
4- PLPhilip L. GibbardCorresponding
University of Cambridge
- MJMartin J. Head
Brock University
- MJM. J. C. Walker
Aberystwyth University, University of Wales Trinity Saint David
- TSthe Subcommission on Quaternary Stratigraphy
L-3 Communications (United States)
Topics & keywords
- Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point
- Pleistocene
- Quaternary
- Stratotype
- Geology
- Stage (stratigraphy)
- Paleontology
- Series (stratigraphy)
- Life below water