At what stratigraphical level is the mid Ludfordian (Ludlow, Silurian) positive carbon isotope excursion in the type Ludlow area, Shropshire, England?

The balance of evidence suggests that the mid Ludfordian positive carbon isotope excursion (CIE) commences in the Ludlow area, England in the uppermost Upper Whitcliffe Formation, with the excursion continuing into at least the Platyschisma Shale Member of the overlying Downton Castle Sandstone Formation. The Ludlow Bone Bed Member, at the base of the Downton Castle Sandstone Formation has previously been considered to be of PA™A­dolA­ age. Conodont and thelodont evidence, however, are consistent with the mid Ludfordian age proposed here. New δ13Corg data are presented from Weir Quarry, W of Ludlow, showing a pronounced positive excursion commencing in the uppermost Upper Whitcliffe Formation, in strata with a palynologically very strong marine influence. Elsewhere in the world, the mid Ludfordian positive CIE is associated with major facies changes indicated shallowing; the lithofacies evidence from the Ludlow area is consistent with this. There appears not to be a major stratigraphical break at the base of the Ludlow Bone Bed Member.