Sandbian

The Sandbian is a very old time period that is part of the Upper Ordovician. It came after the Darriwilian and before the Katian. Scientists know when the Sandbian began because of a special kind of tiny sea creature called a graptolite. They found that a species named Nemagraptus gracilis first appeared about 458.2 million years ago, which marks the start of this time.

The Sandbian lasted for around 5.4 million years. It ended when the Katian period began, about 452.8 million years ago. This time period is important for learning about Earth's history and the kinds of life that existed very long ago.

Naming

The name Sandbian comes from a village called Södra Sandby. This village is in Lund Municipality, which is part of Skåne County in Sweden. The name Sandbian was suggested for use in the year 2006.

GSSP

The Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for the Sandbian is located at the Fågelsång section near Sularp Brook, east of Lund in Skåne, Sweden. This spot shows layers of shale and mudstone. The start of the Sandbian is marked by the first appearance of a special graptolite species called Nemagraptus gracilis.