Upper Ordovician (Hirnantian) to Lower Silurian (Telychian, Llandovery) graptolite biostratigraphy of the Tielugou section, Shennongjia anticline, Hubei Province, China

A new biostratigraphic study of the Tielugou section in Hubei Shennongjia, China, reveals critical insights into the transition from the Ordovician to Silurian periods. The research identifies the first record of a late Aeronian fauna (Stimulograptus halli Biozone) in South China, suggesting a possible gap at its base and indicating earlier origins for several key taxa. Additionally, the youngest graptolitic levels are assigned to the Spirograptus guerichi Biozone, though the index species is absent. This study provides the first detailed documentation of graptolite faunas and thickness in the region, contributing significantly to understanding the stratigraphic framework of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Maletz, J., Wang, C., Kai, W., & Wang, X. (2021). Upper Ordovician (Hirnantian) to Lower Silurian (Telychian, Llandovery) graptolite biostratigraphy of the Tielugou section, Shennongjia anticline, Hubei Province, China. PalZ, 95(3), 453–481. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12542-020-00544-5