Guests pose for a photo at the symposium.

Geologists, paleontologists, publishers and journalists from China and other countries met in Nanjing on May 19 to discuss the publication of Stratigraphical "Golden Spikes": Critical Points in the Evolution of the Earth.

With researchers from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, CAS, serving as editors-in-chief, Stratigraphical "Golden Spikes": Critical Points in the Evolution of the Earth is the first book in the world that provides a comprehensive introduction to golden spikes.

A guest speaks at the symposium.

Every geological period has a golden spike location that allows scientists to pinpoint when the period began by identifying a specific layer in rock, mud or ice and assigning a date to that layer.

The book boasts the most complete record of the golden spikes around the world, according to Wang Jun, director of the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology.

A guest browses through the Stratigraphical "Golden Spikes": Critical Points in the Evolution of the Earth at the symposium.

Fu Mei, head of Phoenix Science Press, noted that the book not only marks a milestone for stratigraphy studies, but will also serve as a significant reference for anyone interested in exploring the history of Earth and the evolution of life.

David Harper, chairman of the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS), offered his congratulations on the completion of the book. Over the past four decades, he has been collaborating with Chinese researchers who show great interest in geoscience, geology, and paleontology.

Stratigraphical "Golden Spikes": Critical Points in the Evolution of the Earth.

Harper believes that the book will be a helpful guide for people looking to learn about the history of life and the Earth.

James Ogg, chief data scientist of the big science program Deep-time Digital Earth, suggested the publication of the English edition.

Markus Aretz, secretary of Carboniferous branch of ICS, Deng Tao from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Zhang Shihong, a professor at China University of Geosciences Beijing, and Chen Zhongqiang, a professor at China University of Geosciences Wuhan, also recognized the book's practical value.