Success and failure in Cenozoic global correlations using golden spikes: A geochemical and magnetostratigraphic perspective

Abstract

We review examples of placement of select Cenozoic Global Boundary Stratotype Sections and Points (GSSP = "golden spikes") from a geochemical and magnetostratigraphic perspective. Though biostratigraphy is the sine qua non for placing modern chronologic tools (high-resolution radiometric dates, magnetochronology, and astrochronology) into proper stratigraphic context, its use as the primary correlation tool for GSSP is less desirable than using magnetostratigraphic or chemostratigraphic markers. Here, we advocate for defining of GSSPs at lithologic levels that are globally correlatable using magnetic reversals and/or abrupt geochemical changes, and the avoidance of biostratigraphic datum levels (that are necessarily biogeographically restricted) as primary criterion for correlation. We provide two examples where placement of golden spikes in association with global geochemical events has been successful:

Formal ratification of the subdivision of the Holocene Series/Epoch (Quaternary System/Period): two new Global Boundary Stratotype Sections and Points (GSSPs) and three new stages/subseries

“…Whereas most current GSSPs use biostratigraphic data as primary markers, it has been recommended that future GSSPs should have physico-chemical markers as an integral part of their guiding criteria (Smith et al, 2014;Miller and Wright, 2017). Indeed, as Head and Gibbard (2015) have noted, the International Stratigraphic Guide (Hedberg, 1976, p. 82;Salvador, 1994, p. 88) allows certain methods of correlation, such as climatic, palaeomagnetic, and isotopic, to have greater emphasis for Quaternary chronostratigraphy.…”

Subdividing the Holocene Series/Epoch: formalization of stages/ages and subseries/subepochs, and designation of GSSPs and auxiliary stratotypes

“…Accordingly, it has been endorsed by the International Union for Quaternary Research (INQUA: Ashworth, 2018). While most current pre-Cenozoic GSSPs use biostratigraphic data as primary markers, it has been recommended that future GSSPs should have physicochemical and, where appropriate, palaeomagnetic markers as an integral part of their guiding criteria (Miller and Wright, 2017;Smith et al, 2014). Indeed, as Head and Gibbard (2015) have noted, the International Stratigraphic Guide (Hedberg, 1976, p. 82;Salvador, 1994) allows certain methods of correlation, such as climatic, palaeomagnetic and isotopic, to have greater emphasis for Quaternary chronostratigraphy.…”

Wilson Lake site

“…δ 13 C correlations of the PETM sections from Southern Ocean Site 690 (Bains et al, 1999), Millville, New Jersey (Wright and Schaller, 2013), and Wilson Lake, New Jersey (Wright and Schaller, 2013). Modified after Miller and Wright (2017). GSSP = global stratotype section and point.…”