Meghalayan facts for kids
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Axis scale: AD year. |
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| Etymology | |
| Name formality | Formal |
| Name ratified | 14 June 2018 |
| Usage information | |
| Celestial body | Earth |
| Regional usage | Global (ICS) |
| Time scale(s) used | ICS Time Scale |
| Definition | |
| Chronological unit | Age |
| Stratigraphic unit | Stage |
| Time span formality | Formal |
| Lower boundary definition | 4.2 kiloyear event |
| Lower boundary GSSP | Mawmluh Cave, Meghalaya, India 25°15′44″N 91°42′54″E / 25.2622°N 91.7150°E |
| Lower GSSP ratified | 14 June 2018 |
| Upper boundary definition | Ongoing |
| Upper boundary GSSP | N/A |
| Upper GSSP ratified | N/A |
The Meghalayan Age is the name for the time period we live in right now! Scientists officially named it in 2018. It's the newest part of Earth's history, according to geologists. It's also the latest part of a bigger time called the Holocene Epoch. This way of dividing time is based on changes in Earth's geology, not on human history or inventions.
Contents
When Did the Meghalayan Age Start?
The Meghalayan Age began about 4,200 years ago. This was around 2251 BCE (Before Common Era). Some scientists have dated its start a bit differently, between 2190 and 1990 BCE.
What Caused the Start of This Age?
This age began with a big drought that lasted for about 200 years. This drought affected many ancient civilizations. It hit areas like the Eastern Mediterranean, Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and the Yangtze River Valley.
Stanley Finney, a leader in geology, said that this age is special. Its start matches a big change in human societies. This change was caused by a worldwide climate event.
Where Does the Name "Meghalayan" Come From?
This age is named after Meghalaya, a state in Northeast India. This is where scientists found a special rock formation. This rock, called a stalagmite, helps mark the beginning of this time period.
How Was the Meghalayan Age Officially Named?
The International Commission on Stratigraphy officially approved this age in June 2018. They also approved two earlier ages called the Greenlandian and Northgrippian.
The main marker for the Meghalayan Age is inside a cave. This cave is called Krem Mawmluh Cave in Meghalaya. It's one of India's longest and deepest caves. The conditions inside the cave were perfect for keeping chemical signs of this big climate change. Another important marker is an ice core from Mount Logan in Canada.
Mawmluh Cave: A Geological Heritage Site
The International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) recognized Mawmluh Cave as a special place. In October 2022, they included it in their list of 100 "geological heritage sites" worldwide.
Why Is Mawmluh Cave So Important?
The IUGS chose Mawmluh Cave because it marks the start of the newest part of Earth's timeline. This period is linked to big climate changes that affected human civilizations. A geological heritage site is a key place with important geological features. It helps us understand Earth's history and how geology developed.
See also
- Geologic time scale
- 4.2-kiloyear event
