Research on Outcrop Sequence Stratigraphy of Permian in Middle-Lower Yangtze Region

According to the latest International Chronostratigraphic Scheme (ICS, 2000), the Permian in the Middle Lower Yangtze region of South China can be divided into three series and nine stages relevant to the traditional six stages of South China. From Assellian to Changxingian of Permian, 44 Ma in age range, the strata are composed of 14 third order sequences, each of which is 3.14 Ma in average age range. There is one third order sequence of Zisongian, equivalent to middle and upper Chuanshan Formation or equal to Asselian and two thirds of Sakmarian. There are two third order sequences, corresponding to Liang shan Formation or Zhenjiang Formation and upper Chuanshan Formation, which are assigned to Longlingian, coinciding with Artinskian and one third of Sakmarian. In addition, three third order sequences, equal to Qixia Formation, are attributed to Chihsian, corresponding to Kubergandian and one third of Roadian. Four third order sequences, comprising Gufeng, Maokou, Yanqiao, Yinping and Wuxue formations, are assigned to Maokouan, equivalent to two thirds of Roadian, Wordian and Capitanian. Two third order sequences, equal to Longtan Formation or Wujiaping Formation, are included in Wuchiapingian. Other two third order sequences, corresponding to Changxing Formation or Dalong Formation, are assigned to Changhsingian. In brief, these above third order sequences can be incorporated into 4 sequences sets.