Stenian facts for kids
The Stenian Period was a long stretch of time in Earth's history. It was the last part of the Mesoproterozoic Era. This period started about 1.2 billion years ago and ended 1 billion years ago. Before the Stenian was the Ectasian Period, and after it came the Tonian Period.
What Happened During the Stenian Period?
During the Stenian Period, a huge landmass called a supercontinent began to form. This supercontinent is known as Rodinia. It was a giant puzzle piece of land that would later break apart into the continents we know today.
Early Life Forms
Scientists have found amazing fossils from around this time. These fossils show the first known eukaryotes that could reproduce sexually. Eukaryotes are living things whose cells have a nucleus, like plants, animals, and fungi. Finding these fossils helps us understand how life on Earth became more complex. These special fossils were found in the Hunting Formation on Somerset Island in Nunavut, Canada.
The Keweenawan Age
The Stenian Period also includes a time called the Keweenawan Age. This age happened about 1.1 billion years ago. It's known for a lot of volcanic activity and the formation of a large rift system, which is like a giant crack in the Earth's crust.
| Precambrian (4.567 gya – 541 mya) | |
|---|---|
| In the left column are Eons, bold are Eras, not bold are Periods. gya = billion years ago, mya = million years ago | |
| Hadean (4.567 gya – 4 gya) | Chaotian Zirconian |
| Archaean (4 gya – 2.5 gya) | Eoarchaean (4 gya – 3.6 gya)
Palaeoarchaean (3.6 gya – 3.2 gya) |
| Proterozoic (2.5 gya – 541 mya) | Palaeoproterozoic (2.5 gya – 1.6 gya) Siderian (2.5 gya – 2.3 gya) Rhyacian (2.3 gya – 2.05 gya) Orosirian (2.05 gya – 1.8 gya) Statherian (1.8 gya – 1.6 gya)
Mesoproterozoic (1.6 gya – 1 gya) Calymmian (1.6 gya – 1.4 gya) Ectasian (1.4 gya – 1.2 gya) Stenian (1.2 gya – 1 gya) Neoproterozoic (1 gya - 541 mya) Tonian (1 gya – 720 mya) Cryogenian (720 mya – 635 mya) Ediacaran (635 mya – 541 mya) |
See also
In Spanish: Período Esténico para niños
