How Do You Spell TITHONIAN?

Pronunciation: [ta͡ɪðˈə͡ʊni͡ən] (IPA)

Tithonian is a geological term used to describe a stage in the Late Jurassic period. The spelling of this word may be confusing to some, as it contains a combination of letters that do not usually go together, such as "th" and "j," making it difficult to determine its pronunciation. However, using IPA phonetic transcription, we can break it down into "tɪˈθəʊniən" to help with pronunciation. This can be understood as "ti-THOH-nee-uhn," with the emphasis on the second syllable.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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TITHONIAN Meaning and Definition

  1. Tithonian is an adjective that refers to the Tithonian Age, the uppermost stage of the Late Jurassic Epoch. It is also used to describe geological formations or events that occurred during this period. The Tithonian Age lasted from approximately 152.1 million years ago to 145 million years ago, and it is named after the Tithonos, a figure in Greek mythology who was granted immortality but not eternal youth.

    In terms of geology, the Tithonian Age was characterized by the continued breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea, leading to the formation of the Atlantic Ocean. It was a time of significant global climatic changes, with increased aridity and the evolution of new plant and animal species. The Tithonian Age also marked the extinction of several marine and terrestrial organisms, particularly ammonites and brachiopods.

    When referring to geological formations, the term Tithonian typically indicates rocks, sediments, or fossils that were formed or deposited during the Tithonian Age. These may include marine limestone, shale, or sandstone formations that contain marine fossils such as ammonites, bivalves, or ichthyosaurs.

    Overall, Tithonian is a geological term that pertains to the characteristics, events, or periods associated with the Tithonian Age, contributing to our understanding of the Earth's ancient history and the processes that shaped its geological formations.

Etymology of TITHONIAN

The word "Tithonian" originates from the field of geology and is specifically associated with the Late Jurassic Period. Its etymology can be traced back to the Tithonos, who was a character from Greek mythology. Tithonos was a mortal prince who fell in love with Eos, the goddess of the dawn. Eos requested immortality for Tithonos from the gods, but she forgot to include eternal youth in her wish. As a result, Tithonos continued to age and eventually transformed into a grasshopper. The name "Tithonian" was chosen by Austrian geologist, Leopold von Buch, in 1856 to describe the last stage of the Late Jurassic, possibly signifying the approaching end of the period similar to the aging of Tithonos.