Abstract
The base of the Quaternary System is defined by the Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) of the Gelasian Stage at Monte San Nicola in Sicily, Italy, currently dated at 2.58 Ma. The base of the Pleistocene Series is redefined by the same GSSP, having previously been defined by the GSSP at Vrica, Calabria, Italy, which is dated at 1.806 Ma. These important changes to the geological time scale were formulated through extensive consultation with the Quaternary community through the International Union for Quaternary Research (INQUA), pr oposed by the International Commission on Stratigraphy's (ICS) Subcommission on Quaternary Stratigraphy, endorsed by the voting membership of the ICS, and ratified in June 2009 by the Executive Committee of the International Union of Geological Sciences. Two competing proposals had been advanced: a 'Neogene' proposal advocated by the ICS Subcommission on Neogene Stratigraphy, and a 'Quaternary' proposal championed by the ICS Subcommission on Quaternary Stratigraphy. The status quo position would have persisted had neither proposal r eceived a majority of votes. These proposals are compared and evaluated, the 'Quaternary' proposal is presented in detail, and future directions are discussed.
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