Wenlock Epoch

Wenlock
433.4 ± 0.8 – 427.4 ± 0.5 Ma
A map of Earth as it appeared 430 million years ago during the Wenlock Epoch, Homerian Age
Chronology
Etymology
Name formalityFormal
Name ratified1980[4]
Usage information
Celestial bodyEarth
Regional usageGlobal (ICS)
Time scale(s) usedICS Time Scale
Definition
Chronological unitEpoch
Stratigraphic unitSeries
Time span formalityFormal
Lower boundary definitionImprecise. Currently placed between acritarch biozone 5 and last appearance of Pterospathodus amorphognathoides. See Llandovery for more info.
Lower boundary definition candidatesA conodont boundary (Ireviken datum 2) which is close to the murchisoni graptolite biozone.
Lower boundary GSSP candidate section(s)None
Lower boundary GSSPHughley Brook, Apedale, U.K.
52°34′52″N 2°38′20″W / 52.5811°N 2.6389°W / 52.5811; -2.6389
Lower GSSP ratified1980[4]
Upper boundary definitionFAD of the Graptolite Saetograptus (Colonograptus) varians
Upper boundary GSSPPitch Coppice, Ludlow, U.K.
52°21′33″N 2°46′38″W / 52.3592°N 2.7772°W / 52.3592; -2.7772
Upper GSSP ratified1980[4]

The Wenlock Epoch (sometimes referred to as the Wenlockian) is the second epoch of the Silurian. It is preceded by the Llandovery Epoch and followed by the Ludlow Epoch. Radiometric dates constrain the Wenlockian between 432.9 and 426.7 million years ago.[5]

Naming and history

The Wenlock is named after Wenlock Edge, an outcrop of rocks near the town of Much Wenlock in Shropshire (West Midlands, United Kingdom).[6] The name was first used in the term "Wenlock and Dudley rocks" by Roderick Murchison in 1834 to refer to the limestones and underlying shales that underlay what he termed the "Ludlow rocks".[7] He later modified this term to simply the "Wenlock rocks" in his book, The Silurian System in 1839.[8]

Definition and subdivision

The Wenlock's beginning is defined by the lower boundary (or GSSP) of the Sheinwoodian. The end is defined as the base (or GSSP) of the Gorstian.[9]

The Wenlock is divided into the older Sheinwoodian and the younger Homerian stage. The Sheinwoodian lasted from 432.9 to 430.6 million years ago. The Homerian lasted from 430.6 to 426.7 million years ago.[5]

References

  1. ^ Jeppsson, L.; Calner, M. (2007). "The Silurian Mulde Event and a scenario for secundo—secundo events". Earth and Environmental Science Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. 93 (02): 135–154. doi:10.1017/S0263593300000377.
  2. ^ Munnecke, A.; Samtleben, C.; Bickert, T. (2003). "The Ireviken Event in the lower Silurian of Gotland, Sweden-relation to similar Palaeozoic and Proterozoic events". Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology. 195 (1): 99–124. doi:10.1016/S0031-0182(03)00304-3.
  3. ^ "International Chronostratigraphic Chart" (PDF). International Commission on Stratigraphy. September 2023. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c Holland, C. (1982). "The State of Silurian Stratigraphy" (PDF). Episodes. 1982: 21–23. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
  5. ^ a b "International Chronostratigraphic Chart 2013/01" (PDF). International Commission on Stratigraphy. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  6. ^ Gradstein, Felix M.; Ogg, James G.; Smith, Alan G. (2004). A Geologic Time Scale 2004. ISBN 9780521786737.
  7. ^ Murchison R.I. (1833–1834). "On the Structure and Classification of the Transition Rocks of Shropshire, Herefordshire and part of Wales and on the Lines of Disturbance which have affected that Series of Deposits, including the Valley of Elevation of Woolhope". Proceedings of the Geological Society of London. 2 (33): 14.
  8. ^ Murchison R.I. (1839). The Silurian System. Murray. p. 208.
  9. ^ The Geologic Time Scale 2012. Elsevier Science Ltd. 14 August 2012. ISBN 978-0-444-59425-9.


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