Stratigraphic Subdivision and Correlation of the Carboniferous

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International Geology Review Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tigr20 Stratigraphic subdivision and correlation of the Carboniferous System in South China Yang Shena & Xun-Lian Wanga a School of Earth Sciences and Resources, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, China Published online: 12 Feb 2015.

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To cite this article: Yang Shen & Xun-Lian Wang (2015): Stratigraphic subdivision and correlation of the Carboniferous System in South China, International Geology Review, DOI: 10.1080/00206814.2015.1008591 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00206814.2015.1008591

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REVIEW ARTICLE Stratigraphic subdivision and correlation of the Carboniferous System in South China Yang Shen* and Xun-Lian Wang School of Earth Sciences and Resources, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, China (Received 14 October 2014; accepted 13 January 2015)

The Carboniferous System of South China is famous for its well-developed rock sequence, variety of depositional types, and abundant fossils. Three established Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) markers have been identiﬁed in several sections in South China. Of these sections, the Pengchong section is the GSSP for the base of the Visean Stage, whereas the Dapoushang and Naqing (Nashui) sections are excellent reference sections for the bases of the Tournaisian and Bashkirian stages, respectively. Other sections have good potential for the four unestablished GSSPs and the Devonian– Carboniferous boundary in South China. The Naqing (Nashui) section is a candidate for the GSSPs of four stages: the Serpukhovian, Moscovian, Kasimovian, and Gzhelian stages. The regional stages of China include the Tangbagouan, Jiusian, Shangsian, Dewuan, Luosuan, Huashibanian, Dalaun, and Xiaodushanian. The history, deﬁnitions, reference sections, sedimentary characteristics, biostratigraphy, and correlations of these Chinese regional stages are summarized. A Carboniferous stratigraphic chart of South China is provided, showing the correlation of global chronostratigraphic and biostratigraphic units with those in South China and the lithostratigraphic units of various areas in South China. The chart is presented as a new practical framework for the stratigraphic subdivision and correlation of the Carboniferous System in South China. Keywords: Carboniferous; Chinese regional stage; GSSP; stratigraphic chart; South China

1. Introduction Kasimovian, and Gzhelian. Thus, South China will play The Carboniferous period experienced critical transitions an important role in improving our understanding of the in Earth history, but it is challenging to precisely establish global Carboniferous System. the timing of events. This is because Gondwana super- The main purpose of this paper is to present the strati- glaciation and the consequent drastic climatic changes, graphic subdivision and correlation of the Carboniferous sea-level fluctuations, and significant biogeographic differ- in South China. First, the research status of the entiation make it difficult to establish a global timescale Carboniferous GSSPs and their recognition in South based on marine biostratigraphy and correlations of regio- China are introduced. Second, the regional chronostrati- nal strata. Although the Carboniferous was one of the first graphic units and a stratigraphic chart of South China are geological periods to be defined, it is one of the most presented. It is hoped that this paper will provide a better complicated and confusing in terms of stratigraphic clas- understanding of the Carboniferous System in South sification and correlation (Davydov et al. 2012). To date, China. only three Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Points (GSSPs) – the bases of the Tournaisian, Visean, and Bashkirian stages – have been officially ratified for the 2. Carboniferous GSSPs and their recognition in Downloaded by [Eindhoven Technical University] at 13:50 16 February 2015 Carboniferous System. South China South China was located at a subequatorial–equatorial The primary objective of the International Commission on position near the eastern border of the Palaeo-Tethys Stratigraphy (ICS) is to define precisely the global units Ocean during Carboniferous time (Scotese 2002; Wang (systems, series, and stages) of the International et al. 2013; Figure 1). The region is well known for its Chronostratigraphic Chart. All the efforts of the complete marine Carboniferous sequence and abundant Subcommission on Carboniferous Stratigraphy (SCCS) fossils. All three established GSSPs markers are identified are now focused on selecting events and GSSPs for stage in South China. The base of the Visean Stage is fixed with boundaries (Richards 2013). a GSSP in the Pengchong section, South China (Devuyst The Carboniferous System has been subdivided into et al. 2003; Hou et al. 2013). In addition, South China has two subsystems, the Mississippian and the Pennsylvanian, potential for defining the stages that are currently and contains seven global stages, the Tournaisian, Visean, without GSSPs, including the Serpukhovian, Moscovian, Serpukhovian, Bashkirian, Moscovian, Kasimovian, and

*Corresponding author. Email: [email protected]

Figure 1. (a) Global palaeogeographical reconstruction for the early Carboniferous (after Scotese 2002); (b) location of South China within China; (c) Mississippian palaeogeography of South China (after Feng et al. 1998); (d) Pennsylvanian palaeogeography of South China (after Feng et al. 1998); (e) locations of the reference sections in South China: 1, Dapoushang section; 2, Pengchong section; 3,

Downloaded by [Eindhoven Technical University] at 13:50 16 February 2015 Naqing section; 4, Qilinzhai section; 5, Jiusi section; 6, Liuzhai section; 7, Yashui section; 8, Huashiban section; 9 Dala section; 10, Xiaodushan section.

Gzhelian, in ascending order (Figure 2). To date, only the 2.1. Tournaisian Stage GSSPs for the bases of the Tournaisian, Visean, and 2.1.1. GSSP for the base of the Tournaisian Stage Bashkirian stages have been approved by the SCCS and The GSSP for the base of the Tournaisian Stage, ICS (Paproth et al. 1991; Lane et al. 1999; Devuyst et al. Mississippian Subsystem, and Carboniferous System has 2003), whereas the bases of the Serpukhovian, Moscovian, been defined at the base of bed 89 in the La Serre section, Kasimovian, and Gzhelian stages are not defined by Montagne Noire, southern France (Paproth et al. 1991). GSSPs, and some markers for the definitions of their The boundary is defined by the first appearance datum boundaries have not yet been selected. In addition, there (FAD) of the conodont Siphonodella sulcata, within the are serious problems with the Devonian–Carboniferous Siphonodella praesulcata–S. sulcata evolutionary lineage (D–C) boundary GSSP (Ji et al. 1989; Kaiser 2009), (Paproth et al. 1991). At present, the boundary definition which requires further research. needs restudy. International Geology Review 3

Dapoushang section is introduced as a reference section in South China.

(1) Location. The Dapoushang section is located in Muhua village, 25 km south of Changshun County in Guizhou Province, South China (Figure 1). (2) Geological background. The strata of the Dapoushang section across the D–C boundary are continuous and well exposed. The section contains the Upper Devonian Daihua Formation (beds 029– 0) and the uppermost Devonian to lower Figure 2. Global subdivisions of the Carboniferous System – (after Cohen et al. 2013). Carboniferous Wangyou Formation (beds 1 29), which are mainly composed of bioclastic limestone of pelagic facies (Ji et al. 1989; Liu Studies by Ji et al. (1989) and further work et al. 2012). (Kaiser 2009) indicate there are problems with the D–C (3) Biostratigraphy. In the D–C boundary section, five Boundary GSSP (Paproth et al. 1991) at La Serre, France, conodont zones have been identified: the Middle and with the conodont lineage used for boundary defini- Siphonodella praesulcata, Upper S. praesulcata, tion. The GSSP level at the base of bed 89 in the La Serre S. sulcata, Lower S. duplicata, and Upper S. dupli- section seems to fall in the upper part of the Siphonodella cata zones (Ji et al. 1989; Figure 3). In addition, sulcata Zone or even in the overlying Siphonodella dupli- the section contains an abundance of other micro- cata Zone (Kaiser 2009). There is no record of the phylo- and macrofossils (ammonoids, trilobites, ostra- genetic transition from Siphonodella praesulcata to S. codes, brachiopods, corals, and vertebrate sulcata at La Serre (Kaiser 2009). Some studies show microfossils). Two vertebrate microfossil zones that the determination of S. sulcata is subjective and the (the Phoebodus politus–Petalodus daihuaensis species is not a suitable marker for the base of the and Acanthodes guizhouensis zones) and two Carboniferous (Kaiser and Corradini 2011). The ammonoid zones (the Parawocklumeria and Devonian and Carboniferous subcommissions of the ICS Gattendorfia zones) have been identified across have formed a task group to work on the D–C boundary the D–C boundary interval (Ji et al. 1989). problem (Richards 2009). At present, the primary tasks for (4) U–Pb zircon age. Approximately 5–10 cm of the D–C boundary task group are to locate an appropriate brownish-yellow bentonite (tuff) directly under- event marker to define the boundary and to find a suitable lies bed 0, which is in the Upper praesulcata section for the GSSP (Aretz 2014). conodont Zone and located nearly 30 cm below There is still no general agreement for the criteria of the D–C boundary (base of bed 1) in the the D–C boundary definition, but there are some guide- Dapoushang section (Liu et al. 2012; Figure 4). lines for further activities and discussions (Aretz 2014). A U–Pb SHRIMP analyses of zircons from the multidisciplinary approach should be used for boundary tuff yielded a 206Pb/238 U concordia age of definition. The new boundary definition does not need to 359.6 ± 1.9 Ma (Liu et al. 2012).Basedonthis be a conodont. The major late Famennian extinction new single-zircon SHRIMP age and previously

Downloaded by [Eindhoven Technical University] at 13:50 16 February 2015 (Hangenberg Event) is a good potential candidate for a published work on the biostratigraphy and new definition of the boundary (Aretz 2014). sequence stratigraphy of the D–C transition interval, the age of the D–C boundary at Dapoushang, Guizhou, China, is estimated to be 359.58 Ma 2.1.2. Reference section for the base of the Tournaisian (Liu et al. 2012). Stage in South China The D–C boundary has been identified in several sections In Muhua area, there are several D–C boundary sec- of pelagic or outer shelf facies in South China, including tions. Of these sections, the Muhua II and Dapoushang the Nanbiancun section in Guangxi (Yu 1988), which is sections are suitable as the candidate section for the D–C the auxiliary stratotype section for the D–C boundary, and boundary GSSP (Hou et al. 1985;Jiet al.1989).First, the Muhua and Dapoushang sections in Guizhou (Hou they have continuous limestone development across the et al. 1985;Jiet al. 1988, 1989). A biostratigraphically D–C boundary. Second, they have continuous conodont well-constrained tuff near the D–C boundary in the zones and other significant fossil groups near the D–C Dapoushang section provides an excellent opportunity to boundary. Third, they have more than one bed of volca- date this important boundary (Liu et al. 2012). Herein, the nic ash near the D–C boundary. The studies around the 4 Y. Shen and X.-L. Wang

Figure 3. Distribution of conodonts in the Dapoushang section (after Ji et al. 1989). 1–2, Siphonodella praesulcata;3–6, Siphonodella sulcata;7–8, Siphonodella duplicata.

D–C boundary are now under way, including geochem- ical profiles and volcanic ash beds, which have the potential for defining the boundary. The first volcanic ash bed yielding radiometric age around the Hangenberg equivalent beds in Muhua area may be a good marker for the

Downloaded by [Eindhoven Technical University] at 13:50 16 February 2015 D–C boundary.

2.2. Visean Stage 2.2.1. GSSP for the base of the Visean Stage The GSSP for the base of the Visean Stage has been deﬁned at the base of bed 83 in the Pengchong section, Guangxi, South China (Devuyst et al. 2003; Hou et al. 2013; Figure 1). The boundary is deﬁned by the Figure 4. Devonian (D)–Carboniferous (C) boundary interval FAD of the benthic foraminifer Eoparastaffella simplex in the Dapoushang section. The star indicates the location of the within the Eoparastaffella ovalis–E. simplex evolutionary bentonite dated at 359.6 Ma. lineage (Devuyst et al. 2003; Hou et al. 2013; Figure 5). International Geology Review 5

Figure 5. Tournaisian (T)–Visean (V) boundary interval in the Pengchong section (modiﬁed from Hou and Zhou 2008). Downloaded by [Eindhoven Technical University] at 13:50 16 February 2015

2.2.2. Pengchong GSSP in South China Bei’an, and Simen formations (Shen and (1) Location. The Pengchong section is located near Tan 2009). The Luzhai Formation contains three the village of Pengchong, 15 km NNE of Liuzhou members: the lower and upper members are com- City, and about 130 km SW of Guilin City, South posed of thin-bedded dark siliceous mudstone China (Figure 1). interbedded with thin-bedded chert, and the middle (2) Geological background. Palaeogeographically, the member (the Pengchong Member) consists of dark Pengchong area was located in an intraplatform grey limestone beds of various thicknesses with basin or on a basin slope during Mississippian subordinate thin- to medium-bedded dark calcar- time (Devuyst et al. 2003). In this area, the eous shales (Devuyst et al. 2003). The GSSP Carboniferous lithostratigraphic sequence is boundary horizon is located within the divided into, in ascending order, the Luzhai, Pengchong Member. 6 Y. Shen and X.-L. Wang

Figure 6. Distribution of conodonts in the Tournaisian–Visean boundary interval in the Pengchong section (modiﬁed from Hou Downloaded by [Eindhoven Technical University] at 13:50 16 February 2015 et al. 2013).

(3) Biostratigraphy. The Pengchong Member in the Zone (from the base of bed 182). The Tournaisian– Pengchong section contains abundant and diversi- Visean (T–V) boundary is placed at the ﬁrst ﬁed foraminifers and some important index con- appearance of E. simplex, at the base of bed 83. odonts (Figures 5 and 6; Devuyst et al. 2003; In addition, conodonts can be used as an auxiliary Tian 2005; Hou et al. 2008, 2013). Three forami- marker. The FAD of the conodont Gnathodus niferal zones can be recognized: the Upper homopunctatus is 5 m above the T–V boundary, Eoparastaffella rotunda Zone (from the base of and the last appearance datum (LAD) of the Pengchong Member to bed 82), the Scaliognathus anchoralis europensis is 30 m Eoparastaffella simplex Zone (from the base of below the T–V boundary (Hou and Zhou 2008; bed 83 to bed 181), and the Pojarkovella nibelis Hou et al. 2013). International Geology Review 7

2.3. Serpukhovian Stage boundary (Rui et al. 1987 ; Wang et al. 2004; The Visean–Serpukhovian boundary is not yet defined by Figure 7). The Gnathodus bilineatus bollandensis a GSSP. An index for boundary definition has been and Eostaffella mosqensis zones are below selected but has not been voted on by the task group and the boundary, and the Declinognathodus noduli- – SCCS for final approval (Richards 2014). ferus and Millerella marblensis Eostaffella post- For boundary definition, the task group uses the mosquensis zones are above the boundary (Rui FAD of the conodont Lochriea ziegleri in the evolution- et al. 1987; Wang et al. 2004). ary lineage Lochriea nodosa–L. ziegleri (Richards 2014). This lineage, along with the associated faunas The Naqing section is also the stratotype section of and strata, is being studied in several areas. The Naqing Chinese Luosuan Stage. This section has several advan- (Nashui) section in South China and the Verkhnyaya tages compared with other sections (Rui et al. 1987). First, Kardailovka section in the southeastern Urals of it is well exposed, and composed of continuous sequences Russia have the best potential as GSSP candidates of marine carbonates containing abundant and highly (Richards 2010;Qiet al. 2013b). diverse conodont and foraminiferal faunas. Second, it has a transitional conodont fauna characterized by shallow and deeper water types of conodonts, with a complete cono- 2.4. Bashkirian Stage dont sequence. Third, the conodont Declinognathodus noduliferus made its first occurrence at the base of 2.4.1. GSSP for the base of the Bashkirian Stage Luosuan in association with the fusulinacean Millerella The GSSP for the base of the Pennsylvanian and of the marblensis. Bashkirian Stage has been fixed in the lower Bird Spring Formation at Arrow Canyon, in the Great Basin, Nevada, USA, and is defined by the FAD of the 2.5. Moscovian Stage conodont Declinognathodus noduliferus sensu lato within fi the evolutionary lineage Gnathodus girty simplex– The base of the Moscovian Stage is not de ned by a fi Declinognathodus noduliferus s.l. (Lane et al. 1999). GSSP, and an index for the boundary de nition has not been selected (Richards 2013; Alekseev 2014). Several conodonts and fusulinids have been proposed 2.4.2. Reference section for the base of the Bashkirian as potential indices for the GSSP. Currently only two Stage in South China conodont species, Declinognathodus donetzianus and Diplognathodus ellesmerensis, are considered to have sub- The FAD of the conodont Declinognathodus noduliferus stantial potential for definition of a boundary position has been identified in many sections in South China, close to the original base of the type Moscovian including the Baping section in Guangxi (Xu et al. 1987) (Alekseev 2014). If a morphologic chronocline could be and the Dianzishang and Naqing (formerly called the demonstrated from the ancestral species to Dip. ellesmer- Nashui or Luosu section) sections in Guizhou (Rui ensis at Naqing, this would provide an almost ideal level et al. 1987; Wang et al. 2004;Qiet al. 2014). The latter for the GSSP (Qi et al. 2010; Groves 2011; Wang is a reference section in South China. et al. 2011; Alekseev 2014). Several candidate sections for the GSSP are being (1) Location. The Naqing section is exposed on the side studied, but the Naqing section in southern Guizhou of the Wangmo–Luodian highway (S312), 45 km Province, South China, appears to have the greatest poten- Downloaded by [Eindhoven Technical University] at 13:50 16 February 2015 SW of Luodian county, 7 km SW of Luosu township tial (Qi et al. 2010; Wang et al. 2011; Richards 2013; and 2 km SWof the village of Naqing. The section is Alekseev 2014). easily accessible by car from Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province (Figure 1). (2) Geological background. The Naqing section is a relatively deeper-water carbonate-slope facies sec- 2.6. Kasimovian Stage tion that contains thin- to medium-bedded grey The base of the Kasimovian Stage is not definedbya wackestone and packstone beds intercalated with GSSP, but the SCCS task group studying this boundary chert beds (Qi et al. 2013b). has concluded that the FADs of the conodonts (3) Biostratigraphy. The FADs of the conodont Idiognathodus sagittalis and Idiognathodus turbatus Declinognathodus noduliferus and the fusulina- have good potential as markers for the base of the cean Millerella marblensis are at the base of bed Kasimovian (Ueno et al. 2011;Richards2013). 6(B), which is the Mississippian–Pennsylvanian Recently, the FAD of Idiognathodus heckeli,the 8 Y. Shen and X.-L. Wang Downloaded by [Eindhoven Technical University] at 13:50 16 February 2015

Figure 7. Distribution of conodonts and foraminifers in the Naqing section (after Rui et al. 1987). 1–2, Millerella marblensis;3, Millerella pressa;4–5, Declinognathodus noduliferus noduliferus.

precursor species to I. turbatus, has been considered as 2.7. Gzhelian Stage another potential boundary marker (Ueno and Task The base of the Gzhelian Stage is not yet defined by a Group 2014). GSSP, but is defined by the FAD of the conodont If the FAD of I. turbatus or I. heckeli is to be used for Idiognathodus simulator sensu stricto in the potential evo- fi boundary de nition, the Naqing (Nashui) section in south- lutionary lineage Idiognathodus eudoraensis–I. simulator ern Guizhou Province, South China, would be an excellent (Heckel et al. 2008; Villa et al. 2009). candidate for the GSSP (Barrick et al. 2010;Qi In South China, the I. simulator fauna is moderately et al. 2013a; Ueno and Task Group 2014). abundant and diverse across the Kasimovian–Gzhelian International Geology Review 9

boundary in the Naqing (Nashui) section (Barrick deeper-water facies. All the stratotypes of these regional et al. 2010; Ueno and Task Group 2014). The Naqing stages are located in South China, and are described below. section has promise as a potential GSSP candidate.

3.1. Tangbagouan Stage 3. Regional chronostratigraphic units of China (1) History. The stage was suggested by Jin et al. The Carboniferous of China is well known for its well- (2000) as a chronostratigraphic extension of the developed strata, variety of depositional types, and abun- Tangbagou Formation, which was named by Ting fi dant fossils. More than a century has passed since the rst (1931). paper was published on the Chinese Carboniferous (2) Definition. The boundary definition for the base of (Richithofen 1882). Since that time, extensive research the Tangbagouan Stage is the same as that of the has been carried out, and the regional chronostratigraphic Tournaisian. The stage corresponds roughly to the framework of China has been established and improved coral Pseudouralinia Zone. (e.g. Yang et al. 1962; Hou et al. 1982; Zhang 1987; Wang (3) Reference section. The Qilinzhai section is the 1990b; Jin et al. 2000; Wang and Jin 2003). stratotype, and is located 4 km W of Dushan The Carboniferous System in China was divided into County, Guizhou Province, South China two subsystems, four series, and eight stages in the (Figure 1). Carboniferous volume of the Stratigraphic Lexicon of (4) Sedimentary characteristics. In type area, the stage China (Jin et al. 2000; Figure 8); this scheme has been includes the Tangbagou Formation, which is com- widely accepted (e.g. Wang and Jin 2000, 2003, 2005; posed of limestone, sandstone, and mudstone of Heckel and Clayton 2006; Menning et al. 2006;Davydov inner shelf facies (Jin et al. 2000). et al. 2012; Wang et al. 2013). The eight regional stages (5) Biostratigraphy. In shallow-water facies, the fossil are, in ascending order, the Tangbagouan, Jiusian, content of the Tangbagouan beds is dominated by Shangsian, Dewuan, Luosuan, Huashibanian, Dalaun, and the rugose coral Pseudouralinia Zone, which can Xiaodushanian. The traditional Carboniferous regional be subdivided into three subzones: the Ps. tangpa- stages of China used the unit stratotype concept, which kouensis, Koninckophyllum sp.–Ps. tangpakouen- strengthens the importance of rock units and of fauna sis, and Ps. gigantea subzones (Jin et al. 2000). fi assemblages, but have no clear de nition for its basal In addition, the stage contains three brachiopod boundaries, such as the Jiusi and Shangsi stages. At present, zones (the Unispirifer–Yanguania, Martiniella– most Chinese stages, especially of the Upper Carboniferous, Eochoristites, and Finospirifer shaoyangensis fi have clear boundary de nitions using the FAD of the spe- zones) and six foraminiferal zones (the cies of foraminifers or conodonts. The type sections of the Bisphaera, Chernyshinella, Palaospiroplectam- regional stages in China are located in shallow-water facies, mina, Tuberendothyra, Spinoendothyra, and except for the Luosuan Stage, which is in a relatively Dainella zones). The conodont succession of this stage consists of six zones, which are found in pelagic facies. These are the Siphonodella sulcata, S. duplicata, S. sandbergi, S. crenulata, S. isosti- cha, and Ganthodus typicus zones. The goniatites Gattendorfia spp., Initoceras folliformis, and

Downloaded by [Eindhoven Technical University] at 13:50 16 February 2015 I. simile are found in the S. duplicata Zone (Hou et al. 1985;Ji1987;Jiet al. 1988). (6) Correlation. This stage can be correlated to the lower and middle parts of the Tournaisian Stage. In type area, the uppermost part of the Tangbagou Formation, near the beds below the Xiangbai Sandstone, contains foraminifers Dainella, Spinobrunsiina, Septabrunsiina, Planoendothyra, Paraendothyra, and others, and represent a begin- ning of the Dainella Zone (Hou et al. 2011). The Figure 8. Chinese subdivisions of the Carboniferous System Dainella Zone is in the upper Tournaisian (Hance (after Jin et al. 2000). et al. 2011). 10 Y. Shen and X.-L. Wang

3.2. Jiusian Stage (4) Sedimentary characteristics. In the type area, the (1) History. The name of this stage is taken from the stage includes most of the Shangsi Formation, Jiusi Sandstone, which was established by Ting which is mainly composed of open-platform lime- (1931). stone deposits. (2) Definition. The stage is a chronostratigraphic (5) Biostratigraphy. In shallow-water facies, the extension of the Xiangbai and Jiusi formations. It corals of this stage are recognized as being of has no clear lower boundary definition, which may the Yuanophyllum Range Zone, characterized by be within the foraminifer Dainella Zone. Palaeosmilia and Kueichouphyllum heishihkua- (3) Reference section. The Jiusi section is the strato- nense in the lower part, Aulina carinata in type, and is located 4 km SW of what was pre- themiddlepart,andPalastraea in the upper viously known as Datang County (now part of part (Wang 1990b;WangandJin2003). Luodian County), Guizhou Province, South The foraminiferal succession consists of China (Figure 1). the Koskinotextularia, Neoarchaediscus,and (4) Sedimentary characteristics. In the type area, the Eostaffella tenebrosa zones. In pelagic facies, stage includes stratigraphic sequences composed the Jiusian Stage contains three conodont zones of the Xiangbai and the Jiusi formations. The (the Gnathodus bilineatus bilineatus, Lochriea Xiangbai Formation contains sandstone and shale nodosa,andL. ziegleri zones). of littoral facies. The Jiusi Formation consists (6) Correlation. This stage can be correlated to the mainly of limestone, sandstone, and mudstone of upper part of the Visean Stage. The upper open-platform deposits. boundary of the Shangsian Stage is slightly (5) Biostratigraphy. In shallow-water facies, the above the top of the Visean Stage, and it is coral and brachiopod faunas of this stage are correlated to the base of the conodont Lochriea grouped into the Thysanophylloides Zone and the cruciformis Zone. Levitusia humerusa–Delepinae subcarinata and Vitiliproductus groeberi–Pugilis hunanensis assemblages (Zhang 2000). In pelagic facies, the Jiusian Stage contains three conodont zones, the 3.4. Dewuan Stage Scaliognathus anchoralis, Gnathodus texanus–G. (1) History. The stage was defined by Yang et al. homopunctatus, and Lochriea commutata zones (1980) as the time span of the Dewu Formation. (Xiong and Zhai 1985; Wang 1990a). (2) Definition. The lower boundary of the stage is (6) Correlation. This stage can be correlated to the defined by the FAD of the foraminifer upper part of the Tournaisian Stage and the ‘Millerella’ pressula (Wu 2008a). lower part of the Visean Stage. The base of (3) Reference section. The Yashui section is the stra- Jiusian Stage is placed at the base of the totype, and is located in the town of Yashui, Xiangbai Sandstone without any palaeontologi- Huishui County, Guizhou Province, South China cal marker. Based on foraminifer from (Figure 1). Tangbagou Formation, the lower boundary may (4) Sedimentary characteristics. The Dewuan Stage be within the foraminifer Dainella Zone in the includes the uppermost Shangsi Formation to the upper Tournaisian Stage. lower Baizuo Formation in the Yashui section, which is dominated by carbonate rocks of shal- Downloaded by [Eindhoven Technical University] at 13:50 16 February 2015 low-water facies. (5) Biostratigraphy. The Dewuan beds contain the foraminiferal ‘Millerella’ pressula and Eostaffellina 3.3. Shangsian Stage paraprotvae zones in the type Yashui section (1) History. The stage was first proposed by Zhang (Wu 2008a, 2008b). The stage also contains the (1988) as the time equivalent of the Shangsi brachiopod Striatifera striata–Gigantoproductus Formation or the Shangsi Limestone (Ting 1931). edelburgensis Assemblage Zone and the coral (2) Definition. The stage has no clear lower boundary Koninckophyllum–Dibunophyllum bipartitum definition, but corresponds roughly to the coral Zone. In pelagic facies, two conodont zones can Yuanophyllum Range Zone. be discerned: the Lochriea cruciformis and (3) Reference section. The Liuzhai section is the stra- Gnathodus bilineatus bollandensis zones (Qi and totype, and is located in the town of Baijin, Wang 2005). Huishui County, Guizhou Province, South China (6) Correlation. This stage can be correlated approxi- (Figure 1). mately to the Serpukhovian Stage. The lower International Geology Review 11

boundary of the Dewuan Stage is correlated to the (2) Definition. The lower boundary of the Huashiban base of the conodont Lochriea cruciformis Zone, Stage is defined by the FAD of the fusulinacean which is the second conodont zone above the base Pseudostaffella antiqua, within the Eostaffellina of the Serpukhovian Stage. protvae–Pseudostaffella antiqua evolutionary lineage (Zhang et al. 2004, 2008a). (3) Reference section. The stratotype is situated at Huashiban village, about 30 km E of Panxian 3.5. Luosuan Stage County, Guizhou Province, South China (1) History. The Luosuan Stage was named by Rui (Figure 1). et al. (1987) and its type section is at Luosu (4) Sedimentary characteristics. In the type section, township. the stage is represented by the Huashiban (2) Definition. The lower boundary of this stage is Formation, which is mainly composed of open- marked by the FAD of the conodont platform limestone deposits. Declinognathodus noduliferus noduliferus or the (5) Biostratigraphy. In the type section, two fusulinacean fusulinacean Millerella marblensis (Rui et al. 1987). zones are present, the Pseudostaffella antiqua–P. (3) Reference section. The Luosu section is the stra- antiqua posterior and the Pseudostaffella compo- totype, and is located about 7 km SW of Luosu, sita–P. paracompressa zones. The stage contains Luodian County, Guizhou Province, South China two ammonoid zones: the Reticuloceras guiz- (Figure 1). The Luosu section is also called the houense and Branneroceras branneri–Gastrioceras Nashui section or the Naqing section in the cf. cumbriensis zones (Zhang et al. 2008a). The literature. associated corals and brachiopods are assigned to (4) Sedimentary characteristics. The rock sequence the Lithostrotionella stylaxis–Carinthiaphyllum of the Lusuan Stage in the type section is com- exquisitum–Acrosyathus Assemblage Zone and the posed mainly of planar-laminated wackestone Choristites mansuyi–Plicatifera chaoi Assemblage interbedded with packstones, grainstones, and Zone, respectively (Jin et al. 2000). cherty beds, representing slope deposits (Rui (6) Correlation. This stage can be correlated to the et al. 1987). middle part of the Bashkirian Stage, because the (5) Biostratigraphy. Five conodont zones have been fusulinacean Pseudostaffella antiqua–P. antiqua identified. In ascending order, they are the posterior Zone of the lower part of the Declinognathodus noduliferus, Idiognathoides sul- Huashibanian is correlated to the Psedostaffella catus sulcatus, I. sinuatus, I. corrugatus–I. pacifi- antiqua Zone of the middle part of the cus, and Neognathodus symmetricus zones in the Bashkirian Stage (Zhang et al. 2004; Davydov type section (Wang and Qi 2002; Wang et al. 2012). et al. 2004). The Luosuan beds also contain the fusulinacean Millerella marblensis–Eostaffella postmosquensis Zone (Rui et al. 1987) and the ammonoid Homoceras Zone (Ruan 1981). 3.7. Dalaun Stage (6) Correlation. This stage can be correlated to the (1) History. The stage name was derived from the lower part of the Bashkirian Stage. The lower Dala Formation, which was established by Jin boundaries of the Luosuan and Bashkirian stages et al. (1962). Downloaded by [Eindhoven Technical University] at 13:50 16 February 2015 are coincident and definedbytheFADofthe (2) Definition. The lower boundary of the Dalaun conodont Declinognathodus noduliferus (Rui Stage is marked by the first appearance of the et al. 1987;Laneet al. 1999). And the upper fusulinacean Profusulinella (e.g. P. priscoidea or boundary of the Luosuan Stage is coincident P. parva; Zhang et al. 2008b). with the base of the fusulinacean Pseudostaffella (3) Reference section. The stratotype is situated at antiqua Zone, which is in the lower part of Dala village, about 30 km E of Panxian County, Bashkirian Stage (Zhang et al. 2004;Davydov Guizhou Province, South China (Figure 1). et al. 2012). (4) Sedimentary characteristics. In the type section, the stage is represented by the Dala Formation, which mainly consists of limestone deposited in an open-platform environment. 3.6. Huashibanian Stage (5) Biostratigraphy. There are six fusulinacean zones in (1) History. This stage was first named by Yang et al. the type section: the Profusulinella priscoidea–P. (1980) after the Huashiban Formation. parva, Profusulinella aljutovica–Taitzehoella 12 Y. Shen and X.-L. Wang

taitzehoensis extensa, Fusulinella obesa– jigulensis–Protanidanthus Assemblage Zone, Fusulinella eopulchra, Fusulina lanceolata– respectively (Zhang 2000). Fusulinella vozhgalensis, Fusulina pakhrensis– (6) Correlation. This stage can be roughly correlated Pseudostaffella paradoxa,andFusulina cylin- to the Kasimovian and Gzhelian stages, because drica–Fusulina quasifusulinoides zones. In western the fusulinacean Protriticites subschwagerinoides Guizhou and eastern Yunnan, the Dalaun beds con- Zone of the lower part of the Xiaodushanian Stage tain rugose corals of the Arachnastraea– is correlated to the Protriticites ovoides– Kionophyllum Zone. The stage also contains two Praeobsoletes burkemensis Zone of the uppermost brachiopod assemblage zones: the Semicostella part of the Moscovian Stage or the Protriticites panxianensis–Linoproductus planata and Buxtonia pseudomontiparus Zone of the lower part of the grandis assemblage zones (Zhang 2000). Kasimovian Stage (Zhou et al. 1987; Davydov (6) Correlation. This stage can be roughly correlated et al. 2012). to the upper part of the Bashkirian Stage and the Moscovian Stage, because the fusulinacean Profusulinella priscoidea–P. parva Zone of the lower part of the Dalaun Stage is correlated to 4. Carboniferous stratigraphic chart of South China the Profusulinella parva–Ozawainella pararhom- Figures 9 and 10 and the Supplemental Figure at http://dx. boidalis Zone of the upper part of the Bashkirian doi.org/10.1080/00206814.2015.1008591 show a compre- Stage, and the fusulinacean Fusulina cylindrica–F. hensive Carboniferous stratigraphic correlation chart for quasifusulinoides Zone of the upper part of the South China. Some of the major features of the chart are Dalaun Stage is correlated to the Fusulinella explained below. bocki–Fusulina cylindrica Zone of the upper part The international Carboniferous time scale and bios- of the Moscovian Stage (Zhang et al. 2004; tratigraphic zonation (ammonoids, foraminifers, and Davydov et al. 2012). conodonts) were taken from The Geologic Time Scale 2012 (Davydov et al. 2012), with minor modifications, including moving the conodont Scaliognathus anchoralis Zone from the lower Visean to the uppermost Tournaisian, 3.8. Xiaodushanian Stage which is widely supported (Lane et al. 1980; Belka 1985; (1) History. The name Xiaodushan Stage was given by Webster and Groessens 1991; Perret and Delvolvé 1994; Zhou et al. (1987), with the type section situated at Perri and Spalleta 1998; Tian 2005), and is consistent with Xiaodushan village. the Pengchong GSSP. (2) Definition. The lower boundary of this stage is The numerical ages for the stage boundaries in the defined by the first appearance of the fusulinacean Carboniferous are taken from The Geologic Time Scale Protriticites (Zhou et al. 1987). 2012 (Davydov et al. 2012) and the 2014 version of the (3) Reference section. The Xiaodushan section is the ICS International Stratigraphic Chart (Cohen et al. 2013). stratotype, and is located in Xiaodushan village, The Carboniferous chronostratigraphic framework of Guangnan County, Yunnan Province, South China China is from the Carboniferous volume of the (Figure 1). Stratigraphic Lexicon of China (Jin et al. 2000). The (4) Sedimentary characteristics. The Xiaodushanian regional stages in China are based on successions in beds in the type section are mainly composed of South China.

Downloaded by [Eindhoven Technical University] at 13:50 16 February 2015 open-platform limestone deposits. In South China, 39 conodont zones (Wang and (5) Biostratigraphy. Five fusulinacean zones have Qi 2003; Wang et al. 2004, 2011; Qi and Wang 2005; been identiﬁed in the type section (in ascending Qi 2008;Qiet al. 2014), 26 foraminiferal zones (Rui et al. order): the Protriticites subschwagerinoides, 1987; Zhou et al. 1987;Jiet al. 2000; Wu and Liao 2001; Triticites montiparus, T. schwageriniformis, T. Zhang et al. 2004, 2005, 2008a, 2008b;Wu2008a, 2008b; dictyophorus,andT. shikhanensis compactus Hance et al. 2011; The National Commission on zones (Zhou et al. 1987). In most areas of South Stratigraphy of China 2012), 11 ammonoid zones (Wang China, the fusulinaceans of this stage are usually 1990b; Jin et al. 2000; Wang and Jin 2003), 7 rugose coral grouped into two genozones, the Montiparus and zones (Wang 1990b; Jin et al. 2000), and 12 brachiopod Triticites zones (Wang and Jin 2003). The coral zones (Jin et al. 2000; Zhang 2000) have been established. and brachiopod faunas of this stage are Based on tectonic setting, lithofacies associations, and grouped into the Nephelophyllum–Pseudotimania– biotic assemblages, South China can be divided into two Pseudocarniaphyllum Zone and the Choristites depositional provinces: the Yangtze Province and the Downloaded by [Eindhoven Technical University] at 13:50 16 February 2015 nentoa elg Review Geology International

Figure 9. Carboniferous stratigraphic chart of South China (part A). 13 Downloaded by [Eindhoven Technical University] at 13:50 16 February 2015 14 .Se n .L Wang X.-L. and Shen Y.

Figure 10. Carboniferous stratigraphic chart of South China (part B). International Geology Review 15

Figure 11. Distribution of Carboniferous outcrops and lands in South China (base map modiﬁed from Wang et al. 2013). I, Yangtze province; I1, Longmenshan subprovince; I2, Ninglang–Dali subprovince; I3, Dian–Qian–Gui subprovince; I4, Upper Yangtze subprovince; I5, Lower Yangtze subprovince; II, Southeast Province; II1, Qinzhou subprovince; II2, Xiang-Gui subprovince; II3, Zhe–Min–Gan– Yue subprovince. The circled numbers (1 to 23) indicate the locations of typical lithostratigraphic successions in South China, and they correspond to those in Figures 9 and 10.

Southeast Province (Wang et al. 2013). Twenty-three typi- (2) The Carboniferous of South China has good cal lithostratigraphic successions of South China are potential to study the four unestablished GSSPs shown in the chart (Figures 9 and 10), and the locations and the D–C boundary. Moreover, the Naqing of these successions are marked by numbers in Figure 11. (Nashui) section is a candidate for GSSPs for the The thicknesses of Carboniferous units in different areas Serpukhovian, Moscovian, Kasimovian, and of South China are variable and the typical ones are Gzhelian stages. In the future, South China will summarized in Figure 12. play a significant role in improving the global definition of the Carboniferous System. (3) Regional Carboniferous stages in China are the Tangbagouan, Jiusian, Shangsian, Dewuan, Downloaded by [Eindhoven Technical University] at 13:50 16 February 2015 5. Conclusions Luosuan, Huashibanian, Dalaun, and (1) GSSPs for the bases of the Tournaisian, Visean, Xiaodushanian stages. All the type sections of and Bashkirian stages have been officially the Chinese stages are located in South China, ratified for the Carboniferous System. All three and most of the stratotypes of those stages are established GSSPs markers have been identified well studied in terms of biostratigraphy and sedi- in several sections in South China. The base mentary characteristics. of the Visean Stage is fixed with a GSSP in the (4) The Carboniferous stratigraphic chart of South Pengchong section, South China. The Dapoushang China provides a comprehensive summary of the and Naqing sections are excellent reference sec- current status of the Carboniferous in South China. tions for the bases of the Tournaisian and It represents a new practical framework for Bashkirian stages, respectively. Carboniferous subdivision and correlation in South China. Downloaded by [Eindhoven Technical University] at 13:50 16 February 2015 16 .Se n .L Wang X.-L. and Shen Y.

Figure 12. Thickness of Carboniferous units at the typical areas of South China. International Geology Review 17

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