Precision of Correlation of Radiolarian Datum Levels in the Middle Miocene, Equatorial Pacific

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The precision of biostratigraphic correlation within a given region, and the degree of resolution achievable within a given sequence, can be estimated quantitatively when an independent set of control points is known for absolute age determination (e.g., paleomagnetic polarity boundaries). Using paleomagnetically dated Miocene cores from the equatorial Pacific, 15 readily identified radiolarian datum levels in these cores were selected. These events were ranked according to their correlation precision. Estimates of correlation precision range from 0.1 to 0.3 million yr (m.y.) for some of the most easily identified events, and may be in excess of 1 m.y. for other events. This approach suggests an objective set of criteria for selecting the best biostratigraphic control points to use in sequences where paleomagnetic control is not available. One first determines correlation precision of each datum level in precisely dated cores and then selects those datum levels with minimal correlation uncertainty to use as control points. When this method is applied to non-magnetic cores, the correlation precision attainable may approach or exceed that obtainable using magnetic polarities alone. This procedure for ranking microfossil events according to their correlation precision may lead to a redefinition of some zonal boundaries when this re-definition offers a more precise and easily recognized datum level as the defining event.

This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit: