Geological Correlation Research Articles

Study of Carboniferous Exploration Prospects in New South Margin Area of Block B, Pre-Caspian Basin

The new south margin area of Block B is a key risk exploration area in southeastern Pre-Caspian Basin. 4 risk exploration wells were drilled in 2013, and all they have seen oil flow from Carboniferous (KT-I, KT-II), indicating a good exploration prospect. This paper, based on petroleum geologic condition analysis and reservoir characteristic correlation, believes that the main control factors of petroleum accumulation are the hydrocarbon filling capacity deciding reservoir limit and the favorable shoal facies deciding reservoir distribution. Moreover, this paper believes that KT-I has better exploration potential than KT-II, and No.6 shoal developed in upper KT-I should be taken as the key target area of subsequent exploration; In addition, higher uplift possibly exists in the areas adjacent to the southern and southeastern study area, whose petroleum accumulation conditions may be superior to that of the study area, and it should be taken as the preferred area for conducting risk exploration expansion.

Definition of radon prone areas in Friuli Venezia Giulia region, Italy, using geostatistical tools

Studying the geographical distribution of indoor radon concentration, using geostatistical interpolation methods, has become common for predicting and estimating the risk to the population. Here we analyse the case of Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG), the north easternmost region of Italy. Mean value and standard deviation are, respectively, 153 Bq/m3 and 183 Bq/m3. The geometric mean value is 100 Bq/m3. Spatial datasets of indoor radon concentrations are usually affected by clustering and apparent non-stationarity issues, which can eventually yield arguable results. The clustering of the present dataset seems to be non preferential. Therefore the areal estimations are not expected to be affected. Conversely, nothing can be said on the non stationarity issues and its effects. After discussing the correlation of geology with indoor radon concentration It appears they are created by the same geologic features influencing the mean and median values, and can't be eliminated via a map-based approach. To tackle these problems, in this work we deal with multiple definitions of RPA, but only in quaternary areas of FVG, using extensive simulation techniques.

Chapter 1 An overview of the continental shelves of the world

This Memoir explores the variability and controlling processes of sedimentation, morphology and tectonics on the world's continental shelves, with emphasis on their evolution during the last glacio-eustatic cycle. This work builds on some earlier volumes on continental shelves, notably those by Trumbul et al. (1958), Boillot (1978), De Batist & Jacobs (1996), Nittrouer et al. (2007) and Li et al. (2012) among others, although there has not been a previous comprehensive global-scale synthesis. The subject material presented here was developed in several International Geoscience Programmes (formerly the International Geological Correlation Programme, IGCP) concerned with shelves. Project 396 ‘Continental Shelves in the Quaternary’ (1996–2000) was followed by IGCP 464 ‘Continental Shelves during the Last Glacial Cycle: Knowledge and Applications’ (2001–2007) and finally by IGCP 526 ‘Risks, Resources and Record of the Past on the Continental Shelf’ (2007–2011). In this Memoir, 23 papers are devoted to the description of different aspects of shelves from all seven continents and which are representative of the world's shelves. However, there remain significant gaps in our compilation. A glance at Figure 1.1 indicates the sparse coverage of data, particularly using modern techniques of investigation, for Africa, Russia and the Polar regions. However, new data are presented from some frontier provinces, such as Myanmar, Morocco and Ecuador. Fig. 1.1. The location of the shelf areas presented in this volume. Base map from Smith, W. H. F. & Sandwell, D. T. 1997. Global sea floor topography from satellite altimetry and ship depth soundings. Science , 277 , 1956–1962. Reprinted with permission from AAAS. The continental shelf is the part of the seafloor most used by society. Although shelf areas account for little more than 8% of the marine areas of the world, they are the part of the sea most used for navigation, recreation, fishing and …

Re-assessment of the northern Guinean “Koubia–Lessere unconformity” (KLU): Consequences on the geological correlations throughout West Africa

New radiometric data from recent cartographic projects (2007, 2010) lead to a re-interpretation of the “Koubia–Lessere Unconformity” (KLU). This unconformity is evidenced in the Bassaride Ranges (northern Guinea) and in two western inliers (Tominé and Kemberra). The KLU was previously correlated with the main unconformity (Jbeliat unconformity [JU]) separating the lower “super group 1” from the middle “super group 2” of the large Taoudeni basin. Consequently, the brecciated level (partly glaciogenic) that underlines the “KLU” was correlated with the “tillitic” level located at the base of the super group 2. The latter is linked to the worldwide “Marinhoan” glacial event (650–635Ma). However, 32 recently published U/Pb age data on detrital or new formed zircons show clearly that the Bassarides groups (ante KLU), deformed and slightly metamorphosed by the Panafrican-II orogen, belong to the super group 2 of the Taoudeni basin. Consequently, the overlying “Koubia–Lessere unconformity” (KLU) cannot be linked to the “Jbeliats unconformity” (JU) that separates the super groups 1 and 2 in the Taoudeni basin. The KLU is younger than the Panafrican-II orogen and probably younger than the last volcanic basaltic flows (492Ma) outcropping in the Bassaride belt. Consequently, the glaciogenic levels that outcrop in the KLU should be distinguished from the numerous “Marinhoan” glacial levels of West Africa. This new KLU interpretation implies some important changes in the stratigraphic correlations and interpretations all over the West African domain.

Middle–Late Devonian radiolarians from Klaeng District, Rayong Province, southeastern Thailand: Geotectonic significance of the Rayong area as a continental margin of the Sibumasu Block

A fine clastics–siliceous succession exposed at Laem Krabang Phet, approximately 20km southwest of Klaeng, Rayong area, southeastern Thailand was examined based on lithology, radiolarian biostratigraphy, and geological correlation. In the study section, thinly bedded chert layers are intercalated with black carbonaceous shale, light-colored tuffaceous shale, brown glassy tuff, and quartz-rich sandstone layers. A horizon of the chert in the section yielded poorly preserved radiolarians, however, several forms including Palaeoscenidium cladophorum Deflandre, Stigmosphaerostylus cf. pusilla (Hinde), and Entactiniidae gen. et spp. indet. were identified. This fauna is probably referable to the Middle–Late Devonian. The study section had been assigned to various stratigraphic units, such as Silurian–Devonian or Carboniferous–Permian, due to a poor fossil occurrence. However, the occurrence of the Devonian radiolarians in this study provides concrete evidence for the sedimentary age of the succession, and supports assignment to the Silurian–Devonian. Although the study succession exposed at Laem Krabang Phet is coeval with the Devonian part of the Fang chert, northern Thailand, the lithological assemblage is dissimilar, and the post-Devonian radiolarian chert is absent. These lithological, chronological, and stratigraphic results indicate that the depositional environment of the study section was close to the continental margin, such as a continental slope or rise.

The geological nature of dark material on Vesta and implications for the subsurface structure

Deposits of dark material appear on Vesta’s surface as features of relatively low-albedo in the visible wavelength range of Dawn’s camera and spectrometer. Mixed with the regolith and partially excavated by younger impacts, the material is exposed as individual layered outcrops in crater walls or ejecta patches, having been uncovered and broken up by the impact. Dark fans on crater walls and dark deposits on crater floors are the result of gravity-driven mass wasting triggered by steep slopes and impact seismicity. The fact that dark material is mixed with impact ejecta indicates that it has been processed together with the ejected material. Some small craters display continuous dark ejecta similar to lunar dark-halo impact craters, indicating that the impact excavated the material from beneath a higher-albedo surface. The asymmetric distribution of dark material in impact craters and ejecta suggests non-continuous distribution in the local subsurface. Some positive-relief dark edifices appear to be impact-sculpted hills with dark material distributed over the hill slopes. Dark features inside and outside of craters are in some places arranged as linear outcrops along scarps or as dark streaks perpendicular to the local topography. The spectral characteristics of the dark material resemble that of Vesta’s regolith. Dark material is distributed unevenly across Vesta’s surface with clusters of all types of dark material exposures. On a local scale, some craters expose or are associated with dark material, while others in the immediate vicinity do not show evidence for dark material. While the variety of surface exposures of dark material and their different geological correlations with surface features, as well as their uneven distribution, indicate a globally inhomogeneous distribution in the subsurface, the dark material seems to be correlated with the rim and ejecta of the older Veneneia south polar basin structure. The origin of the dark material is still being debated, however, the geological analysis suggests that it is exogenic, from carbon-rich low-velocity impactors, rather than endogenic, from freshly exposed mafic material or melt, exposed or created by impacts.

Geological correlation between the Nan-Uttaradit and Sra Kaeo-Chanthaburi Suture Zones in Thailand

Geological correlation between the Nan-Uttaradit and Sra Kaeo-Chanthaburi Suture Zones in Thailand

Late Paleozoic to Mesozoic Tectonic Model around the Korean Peninsula, based on geological correlation between the Hida Belt,and the Ogcheon Belt

Late Paleozoic to Mesozoic Tectonic Model around the Korean Peninsula, based on geological correlation between the Hida Belt,and the Ogcheon Belt

Middle Triassic acidic tuff in the Udom Xai area, Northern Lao. P. D. R. and its geological correlation

Middle Triassic acidic tuff in the Udom Xai area, Northern Lao. P. D. R. and its geological correlation

낮은 칼슘 수치에서 심혈관질환의 잠재 위험도 평가

심혈관 질환의 위험도를 조기에 발견해 예방하기 위한 다양한 시도들이 이루어지고 있는 데 질환자를 대상으로 한 많은 연구를 통해 관상동맥 석회화의 판정기준이 마련되었으나 수치가 100 이상이 되어야 진행의 흐름을 예상할 수 있었다. 이에 본 연구는 자각증상이 없는 일반인을 대상으로 칼슘 수치와 체성분 분석, 혈중지질 수치의 상관관계를 수치화하여 기존 연구와 비교분석하여 칼슘 수치가 낮을 때에도 잠재적인 심혈관 질환의 위험성을 나타낼 수 있을지에 대한 평가를 해 보았다. 연구 결과 체성분 분석에서 칼슘수치가 0-10일 때 와 칼슘수치가 11-100일 때 유의한 상관관계가 있는 BMI와 WHR을 살펴보면 정상범위의 빈도수가 많아 평균값이 정상범위에 머물렀으나 21%의 상대적인 위험률이 도출되었으며 지질검사에서도 유의한 상관관계가 있는 HDL과 TG를 살펴보면 정상범위의 빈도수가 많아 평균값이 정상범위에 머물렀으나 21-40%의 상대적인 위험률이 도출되었다. 또한 상관관계가 없는 BFM과 BMR에서는 표준이상에서 빈도수가 높아 평균값도 높게 나타났으며 상대적 위험도가 31-93%로 도출되었으며 지질검사에서 상관관계가 없는 TC가 200 mg/dl이상으로 죽상동맥경화증의 발생이 급격히 증가하여 LDL값이 높게 나타났으며 죽상경화증의 발생을 억제하기 위해 이미 생긴 죽종에서 콜레스테롤을 제거하는 작용을 하는 HDL의 값도 동시에 증가한 것으로 보인다. 이 때의 상대적 위험률은 43-50%로 도출되었다. 즉 칼슘 수치가 낮을 때에도 심혈관 질환의 발생률이 내재되어 있음을 알 수 있었다. Prepared her for the early detection of the risk of cardiovascular disease prevention for the various attempts being made ill through a lot of research to the criteria of coronary artery calcification, but the figure is more than 100 the progress of the flow can be expected to be was. In this study, we quantify the correlation between body composition analysis, blood lipid levels of calcium and public asymptomatic even at low calcium levels in comparison with the existing studies by analyzing potential risk of cardiovascular disease will be represented on the were evaluated. Studies, the calcium scores in the body composition analysis "1-10", and when "11-100" when there was a significant correlation in BMI and WHR look more normal frequency range of the mean values in the normal range meomulreoteuna 21% relative HDL and TG in lipid profiles, no significant correlation look more normal frequency range of risk were derived from the mean values in the normal range, 21% to 40% of the relative risk were derived. meomulreoteuna. In addition, there is no correlation between BFM and BMR Also, average increases in the frequency of a higher standard was higher relative risk derived 31 to 93%, and geological correlation test TC above 20mg/dl atherosclerotic sclerosis seems to be the value of HDL to act to remove cholesterol from atheroma already looking at the same time to suppress the occurrence of atherosclerosis, increased LDL showed higher values occurs rapidly increasing. At this time, the relative risk of 43-50% have been identified. In other words, even when calcium levels are low, that is inherent in the incidence of cardiovascular disease was unknown.

Palynofloras from the upper Barremian-Aptian Nishihiro Formation (Outer Zone of southwest Japan) and the appearance of angiosperms in Japan

Palynomorphs are reported for the first time from the Nishihiro Formation (Wakayama Prefecture, Outer Zone of southwest Japan). The Nishihiro Formation consists of brackish to shallow marine deposits, dated as late Barremian to Aptian from geological correlations. Spores prevail in the assemblage, representing Filicopsida (mainly Cyatheaceae and Anemiaceae), Marchantiopsida and Lycopsida. The pollen assemblage is dominated by Coniferales, whereas Gnetales and Bennettitales/Cycadales are only rarely observed. Moreover, we report angiosperm pollen grains of the genus Retimonocolpites for the first time in the Early Cretaceous sediments of Japan. Pollen grains of the Retimonocolpites Group are typical of early angiosperms and commonly found in assemblages from the early to mid-Cretaceous of all paleofloristic provinces. Until this paper, the oldest angiosperm fossils in Japan were represented by a single seed and a wood reported from the Albian of Hokkaido. The oldest reliable angiosperm pollen grains were reported in Hokkaido from the Cenomanian, and in Honshu from the Coniacian. Thus, Retimonocolpites pollen grains reported in the present study represent the oldest record of angiosperms in Japan. They indicate an appearance of the angiosperms in Japan older than thought until now, which is consistent with that proposed elsewhere in eastern Asia.

New archaeological and geological research at SHK main site (Bed II, Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania)

This work presents the new round of archaeological research undertaken in SHK Main site since 2009. Through new geological correlations and dating within the Bed II sequence and a new stratigraphic description of the site, new chronological and contextual information is provided for this site. Archaeo-stratigraphic analysis of the vertical distribution of the archaeological aggregate, a GIS-based restitution of the horizontal associations, and a taphonomic interpretation of the formation processes allow a first intra-site analysis of this high-density anthropogenic patch within the paleo-landscape of the Olduvai basin.

Grazers and phytoplankton growth in the oceans: an experimental and evolutionary perspective.

The taxonomic composition of phytoplankton responsible for primary production on continental shelves has changed episodically through Earth history. Geological correlations suggest that major changes in phytoplankton composition correspond in time to changes in grazing and seawater chemistry. Testing hypotheses that arise from these correlations requires experimentation, and so we carried out a series of experiments in which selected phytoplankton species were grown in treatments that differed with respect to the presence or absence of grazers as well as seawater chemistry. Both protistan (Euplotes sp.) and microarthropod (Acartia tonsa) grazers changed the growth dynamics and biochemical composition of the green alga Tetraselmis suecica, the diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii, and the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp., increasing the specific growth rate and palatability of the eukaryotic algae, while decreasing or leaving unchanged both parameters in the cyanobacteria. Synechococcus (especially) and Thalassiosira produced toxins effective against the copepod, but ciliate growth was unaffected. Acartia induced a 4-6 fold increase of Si cell quota in the diatom, but Euplotes had no similar effect. The differential growth responses of the eukaryotic algae and cyanobacteria to ciliate grazing may help to explain the apparently coeval radiation of eukaryophagic protists and rise of eukaryotes to ecological prominence as primary producers in Neoproterozoic oceans. The experimental results suggest that phytoplankton responses to the later radiation of microarthropod grazers were clade-specific, and included changes in growth dynamics, toxin synthesis, encystment, and (in diatoms) enhanced Si uptake.

Late Permian and Early to Middle Triassic radiolarians from the Hat Yai area, southern peninsular Thailand: Implications for the tectonic setting of the eastern margin of the Sibumasu Continental Block and closure timing of the Paleo-Tethys

Abstract The fine clastic and siliceous sedimentary successions distributed in the Hat Yai area, southeastern peninsular Thailand were examined using radiolarian biostratigraphy, lithology, and stratigraphy. The studied succession was essentially divided into two kinds of fine-grained sedimentary rock units: the lower shale unit and the upper chert unit. The lower shale unit and the upper chert unit yielded late Middle to early Late Permian and Early to Middle Triassic radiolarians, respectively. We clarified that the sedimentary rocks distributed in the study area are not entirely Carboniferous, but contain some sediments from the Permian and Triassic. This age determination suggests that the clastic–chert succession distributed in the study area should be distinguished from the Carboniferous Yaha Formation and correlated with the Permian to Triassic Semanggol Formation. Lithological change with increasing siliceous composition was observed in the uppermost part of the lower shale unit, and the geological age based on the radiolarians indicates a nearly conformable stratigraphic relationship for the lower shale unit and the upper chert unit. The stratigraphy and lithology of the Permian to Triassic succession in the study area, together with geological correlation around southernmost Thailand and northern Malaysia, suggest that the Triassic chert should be interpreted as continental slope sediments overlying Permian clastic and/or calcareous facies, rather than typical pelagic deep-water sediments formed on an abyssal plain. The depositional environment of the chert in this area was likely restricted to the vicinity of a continental slope. Considering with the wide distribution of Triassic platform carbonates over southeastern peninsular Thailand, the continental margin of the Sibumasu along the Paleo-Tethys was represented by a stable passive margin during the Middle–early Late Triassic time. On the basis of the sedimentary setting and stratigraphy in the Permian and Triassic, it is suggested that the closure of the Paleo-Tethys between the Sibumasu and Indochina continental blocks took place at least after the Middle Triassic in southeastern peninsular Thailand.

Late Cretaceous orbitally-paced carbon isotope stratigraphy from the Bottaccione Gorge (Italy)

A refined astronomical tuning of the upper Albian−lower Campanian is proposed from the Bottaccione reference section (Gubbio, central Italy). Long-term eccentricity cycles filtered from a high-resolution δ13C record were tuned to the highly stable 405kyr cycles of the new La2010 astronomical solution for the Earth's orbital elements. The achieved orbital tuning provides a new precise, and accurate age model for dating biostratigraphic, magnetostratigraphic and carbon isotope events through a ~23Myr long record. Cycles of ~8.0, 4.7, 3.4 and ~2.4Myr modulate the entire δ13C record, thus extending their detection from the Cenozoic to ~100Ma and represent primary and stable long-term oscillation modes of Earth's climate–ocean system. Although an ultimate driver of these long-term periodicities is lacking, we speculate that specifically the periodicity at 4.7Myr, represents a homologue of the present eccentricity grand-cycles, evolved by the chaotic behaviour of solar system planets during the Mesozoic. The long-term periodicities potentially reflect an unexplored expression of the low-frequency response of the carbon cycle to global biogeochemical dynamics of major nutrients, particularly phosphorus, associated with modulation of inputs to the ocean in turn triggered by high-order marine transgressions and formation of highly productive shelf seas. This very long-term eccentricity control, modulated by periodic low-energy cycles, is suggested to play a crucial role in carbon cycling, controlling a chain of climate sensitive global biogeochemical processes on the Earth. Finally, these grand-cycles provide a potential tool for geological correlation and provide a robust constraint for accurate calculation of the orbital evolution of the Solar System.

The 28th International Geological Congress, Washington, 1989

The 28th International Geological Congress (IGC) met from 9 to 19 August 1989 in Washington, District of Columbia, the site of the 5th (1891) and 16th (1933) IGCs. More than 6,000 persons, from the United States of America (USA) and 103 other countries, came to Washington for the 28th IGC, thirteen of them having previously attended the 16th IGC. The U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. National Academy of Sciences acted as the principal hosts, in cooperation with thirty scientific societies and seven industrial organizations. As sponsors, 115 organizations and five individuals provided financial support. The fourteen themes of the 360 scientific and technical sessions, and ninety poster-paper sessions, included aspects of the dynamic Earth in space and time, mathematical geology, and comparative planetology. Two half-day colloquia of invited presentations provided a planetary perspective on the Apollo lunar-landing program and the Earth's natural resources. Invited speakers in a late-afternoon series of plenary sessions gave forty-five-minute overviews of the international programs for the decade of natural disaster reduction, geological correlation, geosphere-biosphere, lithosphere, ocean drilling, and sedimentary geology. Two hundred and thirty-three exhibitors, from twentysix countries, presented displays. Other activities included a Youth Congress, evening lectures and receptions, local tours, institutional exhibits, and an allmember evening picnic on the Mall on 18 July. Innovations included poster-paper sessions, an extensive program of short courses and workshops, the Gazette (a daily newspaper), and a field trip to Antarctica (in January 1989). One hundred and three additional field excursions, held before, during, or after the 28th IGC and each with a guidebook, took participants to geologically diverse parts of the USA, Antarctica, the Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Congress's general-proceedings volume appeared in 1990. Surplus moneys from the Congress provided a foundation for a '28th IGC Fund', managed by the Geological Society of America Foundation, principally to support attendance at future IGCs and the preparation of the next IGC held in the USA.

U–Pb LA-ICP-MS detrital zircon ages of the São João del Rei and Carandaí basins: New evidence of intermittent Proterozoic rifting in the São Francisco paleocontinent

The Tiradentes Formation (São João del Rei basin) is a shallow marine quartzite succession resting on the Paleoproterozoic crust of the southern part of the São Francisco Craton. A regional angular unconformity separates the Tiradentes strata from the younger Carandaí, Barroso and Prados Formations (Carandaí basin). The Carandaí Formation is constituted of fault-bounded diamictites containing lithoclasts derived from basement rocks and the Tiradentes Formation. The Barroso Formation is a sag basin limestone succession, whereas the Prados Formation is a pelitic succession that fills a NE–SW-trending aulacogen. Weak deformation and metamorphism (600–590Ma) overprinted the São João del Rei and Carandaí sequences due to the Brasiliano Orogen and, likewise, the overlying Andrelândia Megasequence (<950Ma). Detailed field geology and U–Pb LA-ICP-MS detrital zircon ages from the Tiradentes quartzites and the Carandaí diamictites indicate that these units are associated with two separate Mesoproterozoic rifting episodes. The youngest zircon grains extracted from the basal and top Tiradentes quartzites (1536±33Ma and 1540±45Ma) estimate the maximum age of the initial extension and sedimentation. The timing of the second extensional phase is marked by the youngest zircon age for the Carandaí diamictites (1379±3Ma). These rifting episodes allow a tectonic relationship with two basin cycles of the Espinhaço intracratonic rift system, as suggested by geologic correlations and geochronology. The Prados pelites represent renewed rifting genetically related to the Andrelândia Megasequence; one sheared quartzite that is probably related to the lower unit of the Andrelândia sequence contains zircon grains as young as 1145±79Ma. This maximal depositional age also allows a tectonic correlation with the ultimate extensional episode of the Espinhaço system, according to geologic and geochronologic evidence. From a tectonic view point, the studied rift sequences are related with the evolution of the Espinhaço intracratonic system, allowing a better understanding of intermittent extensional and basin tectonics in the São Francisco/Congo paleocontinent at Mesoproterozoic times.

Gas of the thin layered low porous upper cretaceous rocks (shale gas) of Skybovyh Carpathians

This article analyzes the prospects of gas-bearing Upper Cretaceous deposits of Skybovyh Carpathians. Lithological description and correlation of the surface geology and wells data are given. The results of exploratory drilling and testing of the Upper Cretaceous deposits in certain areas are analyzed. Prospects of gas-bearing Upper Cretaceous (Stryj) reservoirs of Skybovyh Carpathians are associated with non-traditional collectors, whose characteristics are similar to the shale formations. &#x0D;

Geochemical Characteristics and Ore Prediction of the Pb-Zn Polymetallic District in Kanmashan of Lancang County, Yunnan

According to the analysis of geological characteristics and Elemental correlation charac –teristics, Threshold and R-factor analysis leading to the results geochemistry characteristics of Kanmashan Pb-Zn polymetallic deposit which is located in Lancang county of Yunnan province, the deposit is discovered in the southern arc of Chong mountain-lincang-menghai mountain, alonging the contact strip of Lincang granitoid batholith and proterozoic group in LanCang, metallogenic conditions near fracture is relatively ideal, which can be used as a further work area.

Chapter 1 Early Palaeozoic biogeography and palaeogeography: towards a modern synthesis

The benchmark volume edited by Christopher Scotese & Stuart McKerrow (1990), the so-called ‘Green Book’, marked a turning point in Palaeozoic biogeography and geography. The 40 papers in that volume included substantial new data and important syntheses on palaeoclimatology, palaeomagnetism and the distribution of climatically sensitive sediments, but the majority of contributions were on Palaeozoic biogeography. Since 1990 there have been major advances in the taxonomy of Early Palaeozoic organisms, the correlation of Lower Palaeozoic rocks together with numerical methods for the analysis of fossils and their distributions. Moreover and most significantly there has been a quantum leap in the accuracy and precision of palaeogeographic reconstructions, reconciling in many cases palaeomagnetic data and the distribution of fossil organisms. The Early or (Lower) Palaeozoic was an interval characterized by a major radiation of marine life, including not only the ‘Cambrian Explosion’, but also the ‘Great Ordovician Biodiversification’. An International Geoscience Programme (formerly International Geological Correlation Programme, IGCP) was dedicated to the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event (IGCP 410, 1997–2002). This programme focused on the Ordovician, but it also analysed the roots of the Ordovician biodiversification in the Cambrian, the first big mass extinction at the end of the Ordovician, and the Silurian recovery. A subsequent programme, the IGCP 503, ‘Ordovician Palaeogeography and Palaeoclimate’, followed from 2004 to 2009. Several special issues and review papers resulted from this programme, including special issues on Lower Palaeozoic palaeoenvironments (Servais & Owen 2010) and Lower Palaeozoic sea-level and climate (Munnecke et al. 2010). The papers presented here originated from the ‘Absolutely Final Meeting of IGCP 503: Ordovician Palaeogeography and Palaeoclimate’ in Copenhagen, September, 2009 (see Harper et al. 2011). That symposium focused especially on the palaeogeographical dimension of the Cambrian–Ordovician marine radiation; the current volume critically uses the available world pre-drift maps for the …