ABSTRACT
The oxygen and carbon isotope records from oceanic sediments are considered as a basis for stratigraphic correlation. The significance of the oxygen isotope records from benthic and planktic microfossils are discussed in terms of temperature and global ice volume, and in relation to eustatic changes of sea level. The relationship between carbon isotope record and continental biomass is outlined, although attention is drawn to the problem of interpretation caused by changing vertical isotope gradients in the oceans. In view of the stratigraphic potential of this oceanic evidence, consideration is given to the use of generalized or idealized oxygen isotope records.
