DEVONIAN GSSPs AND DIVISION OF THE DEVEONIAN SYSTEM IN SOUTH CHINA

Devonian GSSPs (Global Stratotype Sections and Points) and the status of the international discussions on the Devonian substage divisions are introduced. Then correlation of the Chinese Devonian regional Stages with the international Stages is discussed. In South China, the Emsian can be correlated with both of the Yujiangian and Sipaian Stages; and the Famennian includes the Xikuangshanian, an unnamed (to be established), and the Shaodongian Stages. The Nagaolingian, Yingtangian, Dongganglingian, and Shetianqiaoan Stages can be roughly corresponded to the Pragian, Eifelian, Givetian, and Frasnian respectively, although exact ages of the base of the above Chinese Stages need further study. Possible application of the internationally discussed substages in South China is also discussed: Middle/Upper Givetian, Lower/Middle Frasnian, Upper/Uppermost Famennian boundaries do not seem to be easily determined in the platform facies of South China.