Its primary objective is to precisely define global units (systems, series, and stages) of the International Chronostratigraphic Chart that, in turn, are the basis for the units (periods, epochs, and age) of the International Geologic Time Scale; thus setting global standards for the fundamental scale for expressing the history of the Earth.

IUGS ratified ICS Recommendation on redefinition of Pleistocene and formal definition of base of Quaternary   2009-07-23

[On June 30, 2009, IUGS ratified ICS Recommendation on redefinition of Pleistocene and formal definition of base of Quaternary. The pdf-format letter from IUGS is attached here.]

GSSP proposal for base of Jurassic System and Hettangian Stage: Voting to be on 23 March 2009   2009-03-20

http://www.stratigraphy.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=22

Redefinition of Quaternary, Pleistocene, Neogene, and Pliocene under discussion by full commission of ICS; voting underway   2009-03-09

http://www.stratigraphy.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=60006

Redefinition of Quaternary, Pleistocene, Neogene, and Pliocene under discussion by full commission of ICS; voting to take place soon   2009-03-17

Please visit the following address to view all contributions to discussion.

New ICS Executive Committee Elected in Norway in 2008   2009-03-07

New ICS Executive Committee was elected in Norway in 2008