About the Author

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Chen Xu is Research Professor since 1989, Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences since 2003, Vice Chairman of the Ordovician Subcommission (1991-2004), and Chairman of the Ordovician Subcommission (2004-2007). 240 papers (including 8 monographs) have been published. A publication list can be found from the network of Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology.Hongyan Wang is the Assistant to the Dean & Director of Scientific Management department, Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, CNPC, and also the executive Director of National Energy Shale Gas Reseach Center authorized by National Energy Adminstration.Daniel Goldman is Professor, Head of Department Geology, Dayton University, and Titular Member of Ordovician Subcommission.