The Paleogene Period

N. Vandenberghe, F.J. Hilgen, R.J. Speijer

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

ABSTRACT All Paleocene stages (i.e., Danian, Selandian and Thanetian) have formally ratified definitions, and so have the Ypresian and Lutetian Stages in the Eocene, and the Rupelian Stage in the Oligocene. The Bartonian, Priabonian and Chattian Stages are not yet formally defined. After the global catastrophe and biotic crisis at the CretaceousePaleogene boundary, stratigraphically important marine microfossils started new evolutionary trends, and on land the now flourishing mammals offer a potential for stratigraphic zonation. During the Paleogene the global climate, being warm until the late Eocene, shows a significant cooling trend culminating in a major cooling event in the beginning of the Oligocene, preparing the conditions for modern life and climate. Orbitally tuned cyclic sedimentation series, calibrated to the geomagnetic polarity and biostratigraphic scales, have considerably improved the resolution of the Paleogene time scale.

The Paleogene Period - ResearchGate. Available from: http://www.researchgate.net/publication/236611297_The_Paleogene_Period [accessed Mar 23, 2015].
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Geologic Time Scale 2012
EditorsF.M. Gradstein, J.G. Ogg, M. Schmitz, G. Ogg
PublisherElsevier Science
Pages855-921
Number of pages1176
ISBN (Print)9780444594259
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

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