Integrated global stratigraphy and geologic timescales, with some future directions for stratigraphy in China

Abstract Our knowledge of the history of our planet comes from deciphering the sedimentary record of biologic, ecologic, geochemical, climatic, physical and other systems using a vast array of tools and innovative techniques. To synthesize these trends and events into a coherent global history requires six inter-connected international efforts: (1) documentation and access to major research reference sections, including standardization of convenient and precise terminology for divisions of geologic time (e.g., Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSPs) and within-stage levels), (2) inter-calibration of these marine and terrestrial records both within and among different regions to compile a global integrated scale, (3) improving and applying age models to understand cause-effect relationships and rates of processes, (4) public databases and syntheses, (5) international efforts and centers, and (6) Earth-systems geo-education that emphases relationships among fields in addition to training in particular specializations. In the past two decades, the careful analysis of the sedimentary records in China's marine and terrestrial basins have enabled major leaps in our understanding of Earth's history, such as major excursions of the carbon cycle during the Cambrian, “lethal” temperature excursions in Early Triassic, Cretaceous evolution of birds, and catastrophic impacts of large igneous eruptions. China has provided more reference sections for the international definition of GSSPs than any other country. It is vital to put those records from the China basins into a larger global context.