Knowra Holocene Holocene The current geological epoch, beginning about 11,700 years ago after the last glacial period. Its relatively stable climate enabled the spread of agriculture and complex human societies.
Greenlandian : The earliest age of the Holocene, spanning roughly 11,700 to 8,200 years ago. It begins the Holocene and includes rapid warming after the last glacial period.
Last Glacial Period : The most recent interval of repeated glacial advances, ending with the transition to the Holocene. The Holocene begins as this colder interval gives way to warmer conditions.
Paleoclimatology : The study of past climates using natural archives such as ice, sediments, fossils, and tree rings. Its methods reconstruct climate changes across the Holocene.
Anthropocene : A proposed geological epoch or informal term emphasizing humanity's large-scale influence on Earth systems. It is often framed as a successor to the Holocene, but is not a formally ratified epoch.
Northgrippian : The middle age of the Holocene, spanning roughly 8,200 to 4,200 years ago. Its start is marked by a pronounced cooling event within the epoch.
Younger Dryas : A cold interval near the end of the last glacial period, ending about 11,700 years ago. Its abrupt end closely precedes the formal beginning of the Holocene.
Pollen analysis : The study of fossil pollen to infer past vegetation and environmental conditions. Holocene pollen records trace changing landscapes and human land use.
Quaternary : The current geological period, comprising the Pleistocene and Holocene epochs. The Holocene is one epoch within this longer period.
Meghalayan : The latest age of the Holocene, beginning about 4,200 years ago. Its boundary is associated with evidence of a major drought affecting several regions.
Pleistocene : The geological epoch preceding the Holocene, characterized by repeated glacial and interglacial cycles. The Holocene is the Pleistocene's successor epoch.
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