ON STRATIGRAPHIC CLASSIFICATION

Stratigraphic classification is an important component part in stratigra- phy as well as the foundation of geological work. It not only concerns some basic principles and theories and methodology in the study of stratigraphy but also directly influences the quality of geological mapping and other geolog- ical work. Although the concept of multiple stratigraphic classification has been quite prevalent abroad recently, it has not received due attention, nor been used universally yet at home because traditional stratigraphy has had profound- influences in China. In regard to this situation, some deficiencies in aspects of stratigraphic classification, nomenclature and correlation are discussed in this paper. It should be pointed out that the "Stratigraphic Code of China" promul- gated in the 1960s only reflects the knowledge at the time of its drafting or embodies the concepts and principles 20 years ago, and even the most recent- ly promulgated" Stratigraphic Guide of China" will requite revision in the future with the development of stratigraphy. The development of new concepts and techniques during the past two decades has brought about great changes in earth sciences including stratigra- phy. This situation urges us to be bold in rejecting some traditional ideas negated already by scientific research, use new basic principles and concepts to consider, check and verify the early stratigraphic work again, make full use of new techniques and methods in an indepth study of various character- istics inherent in stratigraphy and gain a complete knowledge of the laws of their temporal and spatial distribution so that the stratigraphic study in China will get rid off the limitations of traditional geology and stride into the rank of up-to-date sciences as soon as possible.