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Simplifying the stratigraphy of time

¹ Department of Geology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
² Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EQ, UK
³ Department of Earth Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
⁴ British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Notts NG12 5GG, UK
⁵ School of Environmental Science, Greenwich University, Kent ME4 4TB, UK, and Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, UK
⁶ Department of Palaeontology, Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, UK
⁷ Godwin Institute of Quaternary Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EN, UK
⁸ Department of Earth Sciences, Oxford University, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PR, UK
⁹ Southampton Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
¹⁰ BG Exploration and Production Ltd, 100 Thames Valley Park Drive, Reading RG6 1PT, UK
¹¹ Department of Geological Sciences, University College of London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
¹² Department of Geology and Petroleum Geology, King's College, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK

We propose ending the distinction between the dual stratigraphic terminology of time-rock units (of chronostratigraphy) and geologic time units (of geochronology). The long-held, but widely misunderstood, distinction between these two essentially parallel time scales in stratigraphy has been rendered unnecessary by the widespread adoption of the global stratotype sections and points (GSSP—golden spike) principle in defining intervals of geologic time within rock strata. We consider that the most appropriate name for this stratigraphic discipline is "chronostratigraphy," which would allow "geochronology" to revert to its mainstream and original meaning of numerical age dating. This in turn makes the little-used formal term "geochronometry" redundant. The terms "eonothem," "erathem," "system," "series," and "stage" would become redundant, in favor of "eon," "era," "period," "epoch" and (disputably) "age." Our favored geologic time units may be qualified by "early" and "late," but not by "lower" and "upper." These suggested changes should simplify stratigraphic practice, encompass both stratified and nonstratified rocks, and help geologic understanding, while retaining precision of meaning.

Key Words: stratigraphy • chronostratigraphy • geochronology

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