Subcommission on Carboniferous Stratigraphy
About the SCS
The Carboniferous is a geologic Period and System that extends from the end of the Devonian Period, about 358.9 Ma, to the beginning of the Permian Period, about 298.9 Ma. The Carboniferous System has been subdivided into two subsystems, the Mississippian and the Pennsylvanian, and contains seven stages. The Carboniferous world has seen important changes in the geosphere, biosphere and climate evolution. To name just a few of those events:
- formation of the supercontinent Pangea,
- the waxing and waning of large ice sheets on Gondwana,
- strong fluctuations of global sea-level,
- the appearance of wingless insects and reptiles
- widespread forests and subsequent massive coal formation
The Subcomission on Carboniferous Stratigraphy is responsible for:
- Defining, refining, and maintaining the global chronostratigraphic framework for the Carboniferous Period (roughly 358.9–298.9 million years ago).
- Establishing Global Boundary Stratotype Sections and Points (GSSPs) — also known as “golden spikes” — which formally mark the bases f the stages and series of the Carboniferous System.
- Publishing and standardizing chronostratigraphic charts and nomenclature for global consistency.
Why It’s Important
The SCCS ensures that scientists worldwide are “speaking the same language” when referring to Carboniferous rocks and time intervals. It offers opportunities to the community of specialists to discuss and share ideas.