SENONIAN Meaning and
Definition
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Senonian refers to a geological epoch that lasted approximately between 88.3 to 66 million years ago, marking the uppermost stage of the Late Cretaceous period. It is characterized by the deposition of sediments and the diversification of many plants and animals. The term Senonian is particularly used to describe the associated rock strata, formations, and fossils found within this epoch.
During the Senonian epoch, the Earth's climate was generally warm and humid, with extensive shallow seas covering various regions. This allowed for the proliferation of diverse marine life such as mollusks, ammonites, bivalves, and foraminifera, as well as the emergence of numerous species of marine reptiles like mosasaurs and plesiosaurs. On land, flowering plants (angiosperms) underwent a remarkable expansion, becoming more predominant and diverse.
The Senonian epoch witnessed significant events in Earth's history, including the extinction of the dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous period. This mass extinction event represents a crucial phenomenon during which a considerable number of terrestrial and marine species disappeared. It is believed to have been triggered by a combination of factors, including an asteroid impact, massive volcanic activity, and climate changes.
The study of the Senonian epoch and its associated strata aids in understanding the geological processes, paleoenvironments, and the evolution of life during that time. The fossils found within these sediments allow scientists to reconstruct past ecosystems and contribute to our knowledge of the Earth's history.
Common Misspellings for SENONIAN
Etymology of SENONIAN
The term "Senonian" is derived from the Latin word "Senones", which was a Celtic tribe that inhabited what is now modern-day France. The tribe was known for its presence in the region during ancient times. The use of "Senonian" as a geological term originates from the observations made by geologists in the 19th century, who noticed a particular geological formation in the region where the Senones tribe once dwelled.
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