Subdivision of the Lochkovian Stage based on conodont faunas from the stratotype area (Prague Synform, Czech Republic)

Relatively rich conodont faunas from sections in the Prague Synform (Barrandian area, Czech Republic) include a number of indexes and other important guide conodonts that can be correlated with other regions, especially with Nevada and the Spanish Central Pyrenees. The collation and detailed correlation of conodont data from the Lochkovian in two parallel sections in the Pozary quarries, together with biostratigraphic control of additional data from several (incomplete) sections with changing facies development, is the basis for a new detailed regional biozonal scale for the Lochkovian in the Prague Synform. The new subdivision follows, with modification, the global threefold conodont subdivision of the Lochkovian. Data from the Prague Synform enable further detailed subdivision of the lower, middle and upper Lochkovian into small-scale units. The conodont distribution shows a large proportional discrepancy between the late Lochkovian elsewhere; the conodont record in the latest Lochkovian in the Prague Synform area, which appears to be rather restricted and requires further discussion. Copyright (c) 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.