BURDIGALIAN Meaning and
Definition
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Burdigalian is an adjective used in geology and paleontology to describe a specific stage or age within the early Miocene epoch. It is named after the town of Bordeaux in southwestern France, where significant geological evidence of this stage was first discovered.
The Burdigalian stage is characterized by its specific range of time, which is estimated to have spanned from approximately 20.4 to 15.97 million years ago. It is classified within the Neogene period, which is part of the Cenozoic era.
In terms of geological phenomena, the Burdigalian stage is associated with various events and changes, such as the initiation of substantial tectonic plate movements and the development of significant mountain ranges. Sedimentary deposits from this period often contain fossils of marine organisms, including invertebrates like mollusks and echinoderms.
Paleontologists and geologists study the Burdigalian stage to gain insights into the Earth's geological history and the evolution of life forms during that time. By examining the fossils and sediments from this stage, scientists can uncover vital information about the climatic conditions, the presence of ancient oceans, and the biodiversity that existed during the Burdigalian.
Overall, Burdigalian is a geological term that refers to a specific period within the early Miocene epoch and represents an important stage in Earth's history, characterized by tectonic activity, fossil deposition, and changes in the environment.
Etymology of BURDIGALIAN
The term "burdigalian" comes from the name of a region in France called "Burdigalia", which corresponds to the modern-day Bordeaux area. The name "Burdigalian" was created by geologists to refer to a specific stage of the Miocene epoch in the geological timescale. It was first defined and introduced in 1867 by the French paleontologist and geologist Edouard Lartet. The term "burdigalian" is derived from the Latin name "Burdigalia", which was the Roman name for the city of Bordeaux.
