Awardee: Peng Shanchi, Chen Xu, Rong Jiayu, Lin Huanling, Zhang Yuandong
Institution: Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Establishing the Geological Time Scale is a major basic task for the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). The Geological Time Scale is composed of periods, epochs, and stages which are fundamental units and defined by the Global Stratotype Sections and Points (GSSPs). Therefore, a GSSP is an international standard for subdividing the earth time system, which can precisely calibrate various geological events and effectively improve the accuracy of scientific researches such as global paleoenvironmental changes, evolution of life, transitional revolution in earthtime. To define a GSSP means an establishment of time standard between two connecting stages based on multidisciplinary and fundamental paleontological and stratigraphical studies which had been recognized by global correlation and is strictly qualified by the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS), so that obtaining a GSSP demonstrates the competence and international research level on stratigraphical and paleontological studies in the country.
The first GSSP in China, which locates at a section exposed at the Huangnitang village of Changshan County, Zhejiang Province, was ratified in 1997 by IUGS, which is for the base of the Darriwilian Stage in the Ordovician System. The international working group for this GSSP was lead by Prof. Chen Xu from Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. In 2003, a Cambrian GSSP which locates at Paibi vilage in western Hunan was ratified by IUGS for the base of the Paibi Stage, the lowest stage of the Furongian Series. Prof. Peng Shanchi of the Nanjing Institute was the leader of the working group for this Cambrian stage. Prof. Peng as a Chairman of the Subcommission on Cambrian Stratigraphy has also created a new international Cambrian stratigraphic framework that is composed of 4 series and 10 stages. This new framework replaced the old one that is composed of 3 series and had been used more than 170 years. In 2006 and 2008, other two GSSPs are defined in Hubei Province and Hunan Province respectively by the international working groups both lead by scientists from Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology. Thus, the 4 GSSPs established in China for the Cambrian and Ordovician Systems represents a great advance of stratigraphic studies.
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