As a result of these concerns, a Committee on Stratigraphic Nomenclature was struck and began the task of formulating guidelines in stratigraphic practices. In 1941, R.C. Moore proposed a gathering of representatives from the Association of American State Geologists, American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Geological Society of America, U.S. Geological Survey and Geological Survey of Canada to delve into the possibility of forming a permanent body concerned with stratigraphic practices. Following World War II, R.C. Moore again initiated discussions among the same groups. In 1946, the first official meeting of the American Commission on Stratigraphic Nomenclature was held - at which time the Commission became a permanent body. Moore was elected chairman and M.G. Cheney, vice-chairman.
Representatives serve three years, with staggered terms.
Chairman and Vice-Chairman are elected from within the Commission membership, and each serves one year. Most members of the Commission are representatives of the fields of paleontology, biostratigraphy and stratigraphy. The purposes of the Commission are to develop statements of stratigraphic principles, recommend procedures applicable to classification and nomenclature of stratigraphic and related units, review problems in classifying and naming stratigraphic and related units, and formulate expressions of judgment on these matters. The Commission has relatively few publications, but its chief publication, the North American Stratigraphic Code , the latest complete version of which was published in 1983, serves as a guide to all stratigraphic practices throughout North America. Although all changes to the Code are made by and through the Commission, any geoscientist may submit proposals at any time for suggested changes or additions to the Code.