The proposed GSSP for the base of Cambrian Stage 10 at the First Appearance Datum of the conodont Eoconodontus notchpeakensis (Miller, 1969) in the House Range, Utah, USA

Abstract

The Stage 10 Working Group of the International Subcommission on Cambrian Stratigraphy is tasked with recommending a stratotype section and horizon for the base of Stage 10, the uppermost stage of the Cambrian System. We identify three sections in the House Range in western Utah, USA, for consideration as locations for defining and characterizing the base of the proposed stage. We also propose a boundary horizon at the base of the Eoconodontus conodont Zone combined with a distinctive negative carbon-isotope excursion named the HEllnmaria–Red Tops Boundary (HERB) event. These and other biological and nonbiological tools can be used for correlating the proposed stage.

Keywords::

• Cambrian Stage 10
• conodonts
• trilobites
• brachiopods
• carbon isotopes
• sequence stratigraphy

Acknowledgements

Raymond Ethington and John Repetski reviewed an early version of this manuscript and made several suggestions that improved the final draft. John Cutler assisted with some of the fieldwork.