Chapter 8. Biostratigraphy and stratigraphic subdivision of Cryogenian successions of Australia in a global context

Cryogenian correlation in Australia is based on an extensive data set from the Centralian Superbasin and Adelaide Rift Complex and integrates biostratigraphy and isotope chemostratigraphy to provide a three-dimensional interpretation based on outcrop and drill holes. Studies are ongoing, but newer data are consistent with the distributions discussed here. From the chemostratigraphic and biostratigraphic viewpoint, the first appearance of the acritarch Cerebrosphaera buickii, coupled with a large negative isotope excursion at c. 800 Ma, supported by the first appearance of the stromatolite Baicalia burra, seems to have potential for boundary placement. It is widely recognized across Australia and seems to have potential globally.