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Kansas Geological Survey, Current Research in Earth Sciences, Bulletin 244, part 1
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Conclusions

Hattin (1982) stated that the composite column and marker units make it possible to determine precisely the stratigraphic positions of Smoky Hill Chalk Member outcrops. This paper shows that it is possible to determine the stratigraphic positions of specimens collected long ago. This technique should be useful in studies of other taxa from the Smoky Hill Chalk Member. In addition, this study demonstrates that the marker units of Hattin (1982) make it possible for collectors to determine the stratigraphic positions of specimens. One hundred years ago, Williston (1897, p. 245) wrote, "I need not call the attention of future collectors to the importance of locating the horizon of specimens more accurately than has been done heretofore." For many years after that statement was made, the stratigraphy of the Smoky Hill Chalk Member was only poorly understood. We now have the means to do as Williston suggested, and all future collectors should record horizon and locality as accurately as possible.

Acknowledgments

J. D. Stewart and O. W. Bonner shared their extensive knowledge of the Smoky Hill Chalk Member. D. Watkins kindly determined the age of samples using calcareous nannoplankton biostratigraphy. D. E. Hattin, J. D. Stewart, and R. L. Kaesler reviewed the manuscript and provided constructive criticism. This work would not have been possible without the generous funding of NSF Dissertation Improvement Grant BSR-700547.


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