An official reference profile for the base of the Cenomanian (a GSSP) is located in an outcrop at the western flank of Mont Risou, near the village of Rosans in the French Alps (département Hautes-Alpes, coordinates: 44°23'33"N, 5°30'43"E).
The Dapingian is named after a village that lies nearby the Dapingian GSSP (Huanghuachang section, in Huanghuachang) where there is also an outcrop of similar rocks, the "Chenjiahe section" (formerly "Daping section") in Chenjiahe.
The Wine Haven profile near Robin Hood's Bay (Yorkshire, England) has been appointed as global reference profile for the base (GSSP).