Terrestrial Mesozoic stratigraphy

Abstract

Recent progress of studies is stressed, i.e. on isotope dating technology, Palaeogeomagnetism and Biostratigraphic studies, mainly on relatively derived taxa, a cornerstone for accurate correlation. Reference is made to Palaeobotany, Palynology, and vertebrate faunas through the times. Biostratigraphic framework: development and diversity of reptiles, appearance of birds and mammals. Major episodes and their main characters: Lower Trias, Upper Trias, Jurassic and especially Upper Jurassic, Lower Cretaceous, Upper Cretaceous. The KT crisis. Extinctions and their causes. Keywords: Mesozoic - Terrestrial Stratigraphy, Lithostratigraphy, dating resolution & global correlation, Biostratigraphy, Phylogenetics, Paleontology, Vertebrates, Major episodes