New biostratigraphic framework for the Triassic–Paleogene in the Neo-Tethys realm of southern Xizang (Tibet), China. (15th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Jianguo; Lin, Miaoqin; Wu, Yixiao; Luo, Hui; Peng, Jungang; Mu, Lin; Xu, Bo; Zhang, Chao
• Is Part Of: Journal of Asian earth sciences. Volume 202(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-10-15
• Subjects: Stratigraphy -- Palaeontology -- Mesozoic -- Cenozoic -- Tethys -- Qinghai–Xizang plateau; Earth sciences -- Asia -- Periodicals; Sciences de la terre -- Asie -- Périodiques; Earth sciences; Asia; Periodicals; 555.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jseaes.2020.104369
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1367-9120

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: An integrated, refined biostratigraphy of the Triassic–Paleogene, southern Xizang is proposed. New fossil zones are added into the biostratigraphic system. The new framework is correlated with the international Geological Time Scale. Disputes in the definition, division, correlation and age of some strata are discussed and clarified. Abstract: Multifaceted biostratigraphic work on Triassic to Paleogene strata in southern Xizang (Tibet), western China, in the last decades allows a new, refined biochronostratigraphic framework in the Qinghai – Xizang plateau region. Synthesis of the latest biostratigraphic progress is carried out in this paper to build a new integrated biostratigraphic scheme comparable to the international Geological Time Scale. The scheme incorporates key fossils as many of each system, such as ammonites, calcareous nannofossils, conodonts and foraminifers. Other fossil groups that are helpful for stratigraphic division and interregional correlation are also contained. These include bivalves, miospores and radiolarians, some of which, e.g. radiolarians and miospores, not previously well explored, are now utilised for new zones. Biostratigraphic zones of this new integrative system, especially the Lower Triassic conodonts and ammonites, uppermost Triassic – Lower Jurassic ammonites, Upper Cretaceous planktonic foraminifers and calcareous nannofossils, correlate well with the international standards. The results are tabulated as four new comprehensive biostratigraphic charts, which, we hope, will provide a new and more reliable chronostratigraphic foundation for study of Neo-Tethys.