Methodic principles of the Riphean stratigraphy

Riphean stratigraphy, which was born 50 years ago when this stratigraphic subdivision was discriminated by using data of comparative tectonics (historical geology), now utilizes a series of the methods applied in biostratigraphy, isotopic geochronology, chemostratigraphy, paleoclimatology, and paleomagnetic studies. This paper considers the methodic possibilities of four indicated scientific branches for solving chronostratigraphic problems of the Riphean. It also presents a synopsis of data on taxonomic changes in the microfossil and stromatolite assemblages, and on large-scale variations in the C- and Sr-isotope composition of carbonate rocks depicting unique features of successive intervals of the Late Precambrian, each decreasing upward in duration in the section. Specific bio- and chemostratigraphic characteristics of three Riphean erathems and their subdivisions, in combination with data of isotopic geochronology and climatostratigraphy, not only provide the possibility to distinguish and correlate these subdivisions in remote regions, but also create a real and promising perspective to identify them as chronostratigraphic units (to formally determine their lower boundary) by using a paleontological and chemostratigraphic framework.