Part I. Introduction: 1. Introduction

2. Chronostratigraphy - linking time and rock

Part II. Concepts and Methods: 3. Biostratigraphy F. M. Gradstein, R. A. Cooper and P. M. Sadler

4. Earth's orbital parameters and cycle stratigraphy L. A. Hinnov

5. The geomagnetic polarity time scale A. G. Smith and J. G. Ogg

6. Radiogenic isotope geochronology M. Villeneuve

7. Stable isotopes J. M. McArthur and R. J. Howarth

8. Geomathematics F. P. Agterberg

Part III. Geologic Periods: 9. The Precambrian: the Archaen and Proterozoic eons L. J. Robb, A. H. Knoll, K. A. Plumb, G. A. Shields, H. Strauss, J. Veizer and W. Bleeker

10. The Cambrian period J. H. Shergold and R. A. Cooper

11. The Ordovician period R. A. Cooper and P. M. Sadler

12. The Silurian period M. J. Melchin, R. A. Cooper and P. M. Sadler

13 . The Devonian period M. R. House and F. M Gradstein

14. The Carboniferous period V. Davydov, B. R. Wardlaw and F. M. Gradstein

15. The Permian period B. R. Wardlaw, V. Davydov and F. M Gradstein

16. The Triassic period J. G. Ogg

17. The Jurassic period J. G. Ogg

18. The Cretaceous Period J. G. Ogg, F. P. Agterberg and F. M. Gradstein

19. The Paleogene period H. P. Luterbacher, J. R. Ali, H. Brinkhuis, F. M. Gradstein, J. J. Hooker, S. Monechi, J. G. Ogg, J. Powell, U. Rö

hl, A. Sanfilippo, and B. Schmitz

20 The Neogene period L. Lourens, F. Hilgen, N. J. Shackleton, J. Laskar and D. Wilson

21 The Pleistocene and Holocene epochs P. Gibbard and T. van Kolfschoten

Part IV. Summary: 22. Construction and summary of the geologic time scale

Appendices

References.