Our current epoch, the Holocene, began roughly 11,700 years ago, following the Pleistocene which started 2.6 million years ago. Together they form the Quaternary period, marked by dramatic glacial-interglacial swings. The Eemian (~116,000-129,000 years ago) was even warmer than today with seas 20+ feet higher.
Pleistocene began 2.6 million years ago; Holocene started ~11,600 years ago
Key facts
- Holocene epoch began approximately 11,600 years ago
- Pleistocene epoch began approximately 2.6 million years ago
- Pleistocene and Holocene together form the Quaternary period
- Pleistocene characterized by oscillation between glacial and interglacial periods
- Marine isotope stage 5e (Eemian, ~116,000-129,000 years ago) was warmer than present with sea levels 20+ feet higher
- Late Glacial Maximum had more than double the current total glacial ice
- Glacial-interglacial transitions can occur within a generation, with temperature shifts of 10-18°F occurring in less than 5 years
Sources
Holocene | Perissodactylresearch.amnh.org
Holocene Epoch (11,700 years ago – present day) We are currently living in the Holocene epoch. The Holocene is a brief flash of time compared to previous epochs
Holocene Epoch Timelinepreceden.com
The Holocene began around 11,700 years ago (c. 9700 BCE), following the end of the Pleistocene Epoch and the last glacial period. It is the only geological ...
Holoceneen.wikipedia.org
The Holocene is the current geological epoch, beginning approximately 11,700 years ago. It follows the Last Glacial Period, which concluded with the ...
Holocene - Dinopedia - Fandomdinopedia.fandom.com
Holocene started some 11,700 years ago when the glaciers began to retreat. the start date of which is proposed to be 1950. The first year of this calendar ...
the Holocene Epochpbs.org
The Holocene begins immediately following the last major glacial epoch, 11,000 years ago. begins about 650 years ago (A.D. 1350) and lasts only about 550 years.
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