FAMENNIAN Meaning and
Definition
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Famennian is an adjective that is commonly used in the field of geology to describe a particular age or stage of the Late Devonian Period, which occurred around 372 to 359 million years ago. It is named after the locality of Famenne in Belgium where the first rock formations corresponding to this geological period were extensively studied.
During the Famennian Age, the Earth witnessed significant changes, particularly in terms of marine life. It is characterized by the diversification and dominance of various marine organisms, including brachiopods, bivalves, corals, and trilobites. Complex reef ecosystems were also established during this time, suggesting flourishing and diverse marine communities.
The Famennian Age is further divided into two distinct stages: the Upper Famennian and the Lower Famennian. The boundary between these two stages is marked by an extinction event known as the Hangenberg event, which resulted in a significant decrease in biodiversity. This event is considered one of the major mass extinctions in Earth's history and had a substantial impact on marine ecosystems.
Understanding the Famennian Age is crucial for geologists and paleontologists as it provides valuable insights into the evolution of life and the environmental conditions prevalent during this specific period. The study of Famennian rocks and fossils helps to piece together the puzzle of Earth's geological history and contributes to our understanding of the Earth's past.
Etymology of FAMENNIAN
The word "Famennian" is an adjective used in geology to describe a stage in the Late Devonian period. It originates from the name of a geological formation called "la Famenne", which is located in the Ardennes region of Belgium. The term was first introduced and named by the Belgian geologist André Dumont in the 19th century.
The name "Famenne" is derived from the Latin phrase "Famenna Silva", which means "forest of Famenne". It refers to the dense forests that once covered the region. The term "Famennian" has been widely accepted and adopted by the scientific community to refer to the specific stage in the Late Devonian period characterized by distinctive sedimentary and fossil records found in the Famenne region.
