Valanginian

The Valanginian is an important time period in Earth's history. It is part of the Early or Lower Cretaceous, which is a section of the geologic timescale that helps scientists understand how old things are. The Valanginian lasted from about 137 million years ago to around 133 million years ago.

This stage comes after the Berriasian Stage and before the Hauterivian Stage. By studying rocks and fossils from the Valanginian, scientists can learn about the plants, animals, and environment of that time long ago. It helps us understand how life on Earth has changed over millions of years.

Stratigraphic definitions

The Valanginian was first described and named by Édouard Desor in 1853. It is named after Valangin, a small town north of Neuchâtel in the Jura Mountains of Switzerland.

The Valanginian is often divided into Lower and Upper parts. In the Tethys domain, this stage includes five areas defined by different types of ammonite fossils.

Climate

During the Valanginian period, Earth experienced important environmental shifts. These changes may have been driven by volcanic activity from large areas of lava flow known as large igneous provinces, located in present-day South America and Africa. This volcanic activity released substances into the atmosphere, affecting the planet's climate.

These events had varied impacts on life. Marine organisms faced big challenges, while land ecosystems might have actually benefited. The warm, wet conditions helped plants grow widely, supporting the development of new types of plants, including the first flowering plants.