Quaternary chronostratigraphy: the nomenclature of terrestrial sequences |
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| Authors: | PHILIP L GIBBARD RICHARD G WEST |
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| Institution: |
a Godwin Institute of Quaternary Research, Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EN England. |
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| Abstract: | There is a long-standing tradition of dividing Quaternary stratigraphical sequences on the basis of climate. This climatostratigraphical approach, begun on terrestrial sequences in the last century, led to the widespread adoption of glacial, interglacial, stadial and interstadial subdivisions as standard. However, the limitations of the approach resulted in its replacement by local sequences of chronostratigraphical stages from the 1950s. The subsequent establishment of the detail and complexity of ocean-core sequences has encouraged increasing use of the terminology developed for these records to the terrestrial and shallow marine succession. The view is expressed that it is advisable to separate and retain regional chronostratigraphies for each sequence-type, and that these should be correlated using event-based stratigraphy where possible. This should ensure both the highest precision and lack of ambiguity and a securely-based synthesis of the relations between the terrestrial and ocean isotope sequences, a synthesis which is fundamental to understanding the nature and detail of regional and global climate change. |
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