Northgrippian facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Northgrippian |
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| 0.0082 – 0.0042 Ma | |
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Ages of the Holocene Epoch.
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 | 8.2 kiloyear event |
| Lower boundary GSSP | NGRIP1 ice core, Greenland 75°06′00″N 42°19′12″W / 75.1000°N 42.3200°W |
| Lower GSSP ratified | 14 June 2018 |
| Upper boundary definition | 4.2 kiloyear event |
| Upper boundary GSSP | Mawmluh Cave, Meghalaya, India 25°15′44″N 91°42′54″E / 25.2622°N 91.7150°E |
| Upper GSSP ratified | 14 June 2018 |
The Northgrippian is a specific time period in Earth's history. It is one of three "ages" or "stages" that make up the Holocene Epoch. The Holocene is the current geological epoch we live in. The Northgrippian is the middle part of this epoch.
Scientists officially named the Northgrippian in June 2018. They also named the Greenlandian (which came before it) and the Meghalayan (which came after it) at the same time. These names help scientists around the world talk about Earth's past.
Contents
What is the Northgrippian?
The Northgrippian is a way to divide the geologic time scale. This scale helps us understand Earth's long history. It's like breaking down a very long movie into different scenes. Each scene has its own name and special events.
This age started about 8,276 years ago. This was around the time of a big climate event called the 8.2-kiloyear event. The Northgrippian ended about 4,200 years ago. This end also lines up with another important climate event, the 4.2-kiloyear event.
Why is it called Northgrippian?
The name "Northgrippian" comes from the North Greenland Ice Core Project. This project is often shortened to NorthGRIP. Scientists drilled deep into the ice in Greenland for this project. They pulled out long cylinders of ice called ice cores.
These ice cores contain layers of ice that tell us about past climates. Each layer is like a page in a history book. Scientists can study these layers to learn about temperatures, air, and even dust from thousands of years ago.
Important Events During This Time
The start and end of the Northgrippian are marked by big changes in Earth's climate.
The 8.2-kiloyear Event
This event was a sudden and strong cooling period. It happened about 8,276 years ago. Scientists believe it was caused by a huge amount of fresh water flowing into the North Atlantic Ocean. This water came from melting ice sheets.
The fresh water changed ocean currents, which affected global weather patterns. This led to cooler temperatures in many parts of the world. It was a short but intense cold snap.
The 4.2-kiloyear Event
The end of the Northgrippian is marked by the 4.2-kiloyear event. This was a time of widespread drought and cooler temperatures. It happened about 4,200 years ago. This event affected many ancient civilizations.
For example, some scientists think this climate change contributed to the decline of certain early societies. It shows how much Earth's climate can impact human life.
How Scientists Study These Ages
Scientists use special places on Earth to define these time periods. These places are called Global Boundary Stratotype Sections and Points, or GSSPs. They are like official markers for the start and end of an age.
For the Northgrippian, the start is defined by a specific layer in the NGRIP1 ice core in Greenland. The end is defined by a layer in Mawmluh Cave in Meghalaya, India. These sites provide clear evidence of the climate changes that mark these boundaries.
See also
- Geologic time scale
- North Greenland Ice Core Project
- 5th millennium BC
