The Neogene/Quaternary boundary definition: a review and a proposal

Authors

  • Maria Luisa Colalongo Istituto di Geologia e Paleontologia dell’Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy Author
  • Giancarlo Pasini Istituto di Geologia Marina del CNR, Bologna, Italy Author
  • Giuseppe Pelosio Istituto di Geologia e Paleontologia dell'Università di Parma, Parma, Italy Author
  • Sergio Raffi Istituto di Geologia e Paleontologia dell'Università di Parma, Parma, Italy Author
  • Domenico Rio Istituto di Geologia e Paleontologia dell'Università di Parma, Parma, Italy Author
  • Giuliano Ruggieri Istituto di Geologia e Paleontologia dell'Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy Author
  • Samuele Sartoni Istituto di Geologia e Paleontologia dell’Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy Author
  • Raimondo Selli Istituto di Geologia e Paleontologia dell’Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy Author
  • Rodolfo Sprovieri Istituto di Geologia e Paleontologia dell'Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy Author

Keywords:

Chronostratigraphy, Biostratigraphy, Pliocene, Pleistocene

Abstract

The problem of the Neogene/Quaternary (N/Q) boundary is examined in the light of the stratigraphic approach favored by the International Stratigraphic Guide (HEDBERG, 1976) and in the light of the most recent advances in uppermost Pliocene-lower Pleistocene biostratigraphy. Based upon a critical review of the historical concepts of the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs and upon the most recent data on the various N/Q boundary stratotypes proposed (Le Castella, Santa Maria di Catanzaro and Vrica) we consider that the Vrica Section is undoubtedly the most suitable for correctly defining the N/Q boundary. Regarding the precise definition of this boundary, it is proposed to the International Committees in charge of the problem that the N/Q boundary be defined in the Vrica Section by the lithological level of the first appearance of Cytheropteron testudo, because it represents a chronohorizon widely recognizable in the global geologic record and because it is the most historically appropriate.

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Published

2024-07-18

Issue

Section

Research and review papers

How to Cite

Colalongo, M. L., Pasini, G., Pelosio, G., Raffi, S., Rio, D., Ruggieri, G., Sartoni, S., Selli, R., & Sprovieri, R. (2024). The Neogene/Quaternary boundary definition: a review and a proposal. Geografia Fisica E Dinamica Quaternaria, 5(1), 59-68. https://www.gfdq.glaciologia.it/index.php/GFDQ/article/view/967

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