Global Stratotype Sections and Points (GSSP) and Stratotypes

Abstract

The formalisation and standardisation of stratigraphic scales based mainly on fossil content has been a process ongoing since geology emerged as a distinctive science. Latterly, new techniques (e.g. chemostratigraphy) and refinements in established techniques (e.g. U-Pb dating) have allowed global correlations at resolutions equivalent to or even surpassing those based on biostratigraphy. As a result the range of complementary correlation tools needed to establish stable and useful Global Stratotype Sections and Points (GSSPs) has also widened significantly in recent years. This combination and integration of techniques has in part been driven by renewed research efforts to understand whole Earth evolution spanning all disciplines of geosciences across a broad range of geological ages. Further methodological developments will in the future affect the practice of GSSP definition, particularly the incorporation of astronochronology, necessitating a combination of robust boundary definitions and full characterisation of the intervals between the boundaries. Keywords: Chronostratigraphy, stratigraphic scales, GSSP, stratotype