Gradstein et al.'s Seven Criteria

Last post I argued that the Anthropocene warranted a new epoch, if and only if, both a GSSP and other auxiliary stratigraphical markers were identified. Zalasiewicz et al. state that these boundaries can be defined by a point of time in the Gregorian human calendar, known as a Global Standard Stratigraphic Age (GSSA). Stratotypes have been widely debated, and thus, so has the dating of the origins of the Anthropocene.

This post notes the 7 necessary GSSP characteristics, proposed by Gradstein et al.. These are:

1.     The global stratigraphical marker i.e. a principal correlation 

Accompanied by…

2.     Auxiliary stratotypes i.e. secondary markers

3.     Evidence of different scales of correlation i.e. regional and global

4.     Adequate depth of complete and continuous sedimentation (both above and below the marker)

5.     An exact location i.e. latitude, longitude, depth/height

6.     Accessibility

7.     Ability to be protected and conserved

Next post will look at possible GSSPs, auxiliary markers, the implied GSSAs, and whether or not they adhere to Gradstein et al.’s criteria.