Pliocene-lower Pleistocene chronostratigraphy: A re-evaluation of Mediterranean type sections

Abstract

Research Article| August 01, 1991 Pliocene-lower Pleistocene chronostratigraphy: A re-evaluation of Mediterranean type sections D. RIO; D. RIO 1Dipartimento di Geologia, Paleontologia e Geofisica, Universita degli Studi di Padova, 35137 Padova, Italia Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar R. SPROVIERI; R. SPROVIERI 2Dipartimento di Geologia e Geofisica, Universita degli Studi di Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italia Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar R. THUNELL R. THUNELL 3Department of Geological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar GSA Bulletin (1991) 103 (8): 1049–1058. https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1991)103<1049:PLPCAR>2.3.CO;2 Article history first online: 01 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation D. RIO, R. SPROVIERI, R. THUNELL; Pliocene-lower Pleistocene chronostratigraphy: A re-evaluation of Mediterranean type sections. GSA Bulletin 1991;; 103 (8): 1049–1058. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1991)103<1049:PLPCAR>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGSA Bulletin Search Advanced Search Abstract The Pliocene-Pleistocene stages defined for the Mediterranean region are generally used as the standard chronostratigraphic units for the upper Neogene and Quaternary. The recently developed calcareous plankton bio-chronology based on results from Ocean Drilling Program Leg 107 and numerous outcrop sections provides the necessary time control for evaluating the ages and stratigraphic relationships for the various Pliocene-Pleistocene stages and their associated stratotypes. Our results indicate that the currently accepted stratotypes do not provide a continuous stratigraphic representation for all of Pliocene-early Pleistocene time. On the basis of these findings, we propose a revised chronostratigraphic scheme for this time period.A tripartite subdivision is proposed for the Pliocene Series. The Zanclean Stage is retained for the lower Pliocene, representing the interval from the Miocene/Pliocene boundary (ca. 4.93 Ma) to ca. 3.5 Ma. The middle Pliocene is represented by the Piacenzian Stage, and it incorporates strata deposited from ca. 3.5 to 2.5 Ma. None of the currently used Pliocene stages fully represents the upper Pliocene (ca. 2.5 to 1.6 Ma). As a result, late Pliocene time lacks an adequately defined chronostratigraphic unit.The Selinuntian Stage appears to be the most appropriate stage for the lower Pleistocene (ca. 1.6 to 0.8 Ma). It can be divided into three stratigraphically continuous substages (Santernian, Emilian, and Sicilian). The Calabrian Stage, which is commonly used to designate the lowest part of the Pleistocene, should be abandoned because its stratotype does not include a record of the first 500,000 yr of Pleistocene time. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.