International Commission on Stratigraphy

The International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS), sometimes unofficially referred to as the International Stratigraphic Commission, is a daughter or major subcommittee grade scientific organization that concerns itself with stratigraphical, geological, and geochronological matters, worldwide.

It is the largest subordinate body of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). The ICS is essentially a permanent working subcommittee, which meets far more regularly than the quadrennial meetings scheduled by the IUGS, when it meets as a congress or membership of the whole.

The ICS plays a crucial role in defining and standardizing the timeline of Earth's history. They establish the official divisions of geological time, helping scientists around the world to understand and compare rock layers and fossils. This work is essential for fields like archaeology, paleontology, and oil exploration, making the ICS a key player in international scientific collaboration.

Aims

One of the main goals of the International Commission on Stratigraphy is to create a global geologic time scale. This project, which started in 1974, helps scientists compare fossils and rock layers from different places around the world. They use special points in the rock record, called Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Points, to set clear standards for dating the Earth’s history. These points are found in sections of rock or core samples that can be studied by scientists everywhere.

This work makes it easier for paleontological and geobiological research by providing consistent benchmarks in the rock record.

Methodology

The International Commission on Stratigraphy defines Global Standard Stratigraphic Ages (GSSAs). These use methods from the physical sciences, like magnetic alignment and radiological criteria, to set benchmarks. It also encourages open discussions among Earth scientists in fields like paleontology, geology, geobiology, and chronostratigraphy.

The ICS has created many subcommittee groups that work locally or regionally. These groups handle fieldwork and organize meetings to compare and coordinate research.

Publications

The International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS) creates important reports and guidelines, which are collected in the International Stratigraphic Chart. This chart is updated after each ICS meeting and shared before the next big meeting of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). Even though the IUGS must officially approve these updates, scientists often start using them right away.

One example is a discussion in 2009 about where to place the start of the Quaternary Period. After careful thought, it was officially added as a geological unit in June 2009, with its beginning marked at a place in Sicily, Italy. The ICS also offers the chart online in easy-to-use formats, so scientists around the world can access and study it.

Logo

The logo of the International Commission on Stratigraphy was designed to look like the Chinese character for "mountain", 山. This symbol reflects the organization's focus on studying Earth's layers and geological history.