Albian

The Albian is an important time in Earth's history. Scientists use it to talk about a special period from long ago. It is part of the geologic timescale and the stratigraphic column. This time is the last part of the Early or Lower Cretaceous Epoch/Series.

The Albian happened between about 113.2 million to 100.5 million years ago. It came after the Aptian and before the Cenomanian. Learning about the Albian helps us know what the world was like when dinosaurs lived and how life on Earth changed over millions of years.

Stratigraphic definitions

The Albian Stage was suggested in 1842 by Alcide d'Orbigny. It was named after Alba, the Latin name for River Aube in France.

In 2016, a special marker showed when the Albian began. It was based on a tiny shell-like creature found in Arnayon, Drôme, France. The end of the Albian is marked by another tiny shell-like creature in the rock layers. Sometimes, the Albian is split into smaller parts in western Europe and the United Kingdom.

Examples

The Albian period left behind interesting rocks that we can find in many places. In France, there are special rock layers called phosphorite beds in areas like the Argonne and Bray. In northern Germany, we can see rocks known as Flammenmergel. In Spain, there are lignites in a place called Utrillas. In North America, we find the Upper Nubian Sandstones and the Fredericksburg beds. These rocks help scientists learn about Earth from millions of years ago.

Climate

During the Albian time, the place that is now the Liupanshan Basin in China became warmer and drier. This weather change affected the plants and animals that lived there long ago.

Main article: Aptian-Albian Cold Snap