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Geological Society, London, Special Publications; 1993; v. 70; p. 169-186;
DOI: 10.1144/GSL.SP.1993.070.01.12
© 1993 Geological Society of London

Quarternary and Tertiary

Tephra layers as precise chronostratigraphical markers

R. W. O’B. Knox

British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG, UK

Tephra layers provide the stratigrapher with very precise, tangible chronostratigraphical marker horizons. These can be used not only for correlation between specific sequences, but also as a means of assessing the accuracy and resolution of correlations based on more conventional stratigraphical criteria. Such tephrostratigraphical applications are, however, dependent on the recognition of individual tephra layers, to which end a variety of mineralogical and chemical fingerprinting techniques have been developed.

Tephra layers also provide a unique opportunity for direct and precise dating of sedimentary sequences. Recent developments in grain-specific dating techniques have greatly increased the precision and applicability of tephra dating, which is now seen as playing an essential role in the refinement of the Phanerozoic time scale. Also, as the resolution of dating techniques approaches that of standard biozones, it is becoming apparent that tephra dates may in themselves provide a means of direct correlation on a global basis; such correlations should be of particular value in resolving problems associated with climatically or geographically controlled faunal provinciality.





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