Aptian (~ 121.4 Ma)

Back to Time Scale

Representation and status

Index
apt
Color CMYK
25 / 0 / 45 / 0
Color RGB
R: 191 G: 228 B: 138
Rank
chronostratigraphic Stage
Validity
Unit is in Use
Status
valid formal name

Nomenclature

Deutsch
Aptien (CH ; DE/AT: Aptium)
Français
Aptien
Italiano
Aptiano
English
Aptian (~ 121.4 Ma)
Origin of the Name

Named after the town of Apt (Vaucluse, France).

Historical Variants

Aptien (d'Orbigny 1840, Sornay et al. 1957), 26e Etage = Aptien (Greppin 1866), Aptésien (Kilian 1910), Néocomien supérieur

Hierarchy and sequence

Subordinate units
Units at roof
Lower boundary

The base of the Aptian is determined by the geomagnetic reversal at the start of the M0r chronozone, which is biologically near the first appearance of the ammonite Paradeshayesites oglanlensis.

Age

Age at top
  • Aptian
Age at base
  • Aptian

Geography

Type area
Vaucluse (France)

  • Clansayésien

    Name Origin

    Named after the village of Clansayes (Drôme, France).

    Rank
    chronostratigraphy
    Status
    local name (informal)
    In short
    Local chronostratigraphic substage corresponding to the Late Aptian.
    Age
    Late Aptian
    Show details

  • Gargasian

    Name Origin

    Named after the village of Gargas (Vaucluse, France).

    Rank
    chronostratigraphic Substage
    Status
    local name (informal)
    In short
    Local chronostratigraphic subdivision corresponding to the latest Early Aptian and to the Middle Aptian.
    Age
    Early Aptian
    Show details

  • Bedoulian

    Name Origin

    Named after the village of La Bédoule (Bouches-du-Rhône, France), near Cassis.

    Rank
    chronostratigraphy
    Status
    local name (informal)
    Valid term
    Aptian
    In short
    Local chronostratigraphic subdivision designating the Early Aptian. The Bedoulian, based on pelagic deposits (Marno-calcaires de la Bedoule), is approximately equivalent to the Rhodanian, which is based on littoral deposits.
    Age
    Early Aptian
    Show details

  • Selli level (OAE 1a)

    Name Origin

    Named after the Italian geologist Raimondo Selli (1916-1983).

    Rank
    Oceanic Anoxic Event
    Status
    valid
    In short

    Oceanic anoxic event at the base of the Aptian (around 120 Ma ago) with a major impact on the chemistry of the oceans worldwide.

    Age
    Early Aptian
    Show details
Back to top