Geologic Time Scale 2020

Geologic Time Scale 2020 contains contributions from leading scientists, with information presented in an easy-to-understand way including numerous color charts, maps, and photographs. Including recent information from such projects as GTSNext, Earth Time Europe, and Chronos, this updated edition explains in detail how and why the time scale is being updated and offers expanded coverage of paleontology and stratigraphy. Twelve mini chapters in Geologic Time Scale 2020 address Evolution and Biostratigraphy in key (micro-) fossil groups. These chapters assist readers of the Geological Period chapters to better understand and appreciate the role played by paleontology in describing and understanding life on Earth in Deep Time.

The authors of Geologic Time Scale 2020 have been at the forefront of chronostratigraphic research and initiatives to create an international geologic time scale for many years, and the charts in this book present the most up-to-date, international chronostratigraphic standard as ratified by the International Commission on Stratigraphy and the International Union of Geological Sciences. As the framework for deciphering the history of our planet Earth, this book is essential for practicing Earth Scientists and academics.

• The most detailed international geologic time scale available that contextualizes information in one reference
• Gives insights in the construction, strengths, and limitations of the geological time scale that greatly enhances its function and its utility
• Aids understanding by combining mathematical and statistical methods to create scaled composites of the global succession of events
• Meets the needs of a range of users at various points in the workflow (researchers extracting linear time from rock records, students recognizing the geologic stage by their content)
• Completely updated time scale including research from projects such as GTSNext, Earth Time Europe, and Chronos
• Addresses Evolution and Biostratigraphy in key (micro-) fossil groups with atlas style range charts which provide detailed explanation of the index fossils and key zonations building the stratigraphic framework of the Geological Periods