Carboniferous

Introduction

The Carboniferous is a geologic period and system that spans 60 million years from the end of the Devonian Period 358.9 million years ago (Mya), to the beginning of the Permian Period, 298.9 Mya. The name Carboniferous means "coal-bearing" and derives from the Latin words carbo (coal) and fero (I carry), and was coined by geologists William Conybeare and William Phillips in 1822.

Geology

During the Carboniferous period, the Earth experienced a series of events that had a significant impact on the planet's climate and life forms. The period is divided into two sub-periods: the earlier Mississippian and the later Pennsylvanian.

Mississippian

The Mississippian (also known as Lower Carboniferous), is a sub-period in the Carboniferous system that lasted from about 358.9 to 323.2 million years ago. During this time, the Earth was predominantly covered by shallow seas. The continents were beginning to form due to tectonic activity, and this resulted in the creation of extensive reef systems.

Pennsylvanian

The Pennsylvanian (also known as Upper Carboniferous), spanned from 323.2 to 298.9 million years ago. This sub-period was characterized by the formation of vast swampy wetlands, which eventually led to the creation of extensive coal deposits, giving the Carboniferous its name.

Climate

The Carboniferous climate was heavily influenced by the planet's slow shift from a greenhouse state towards an icehouse state. This shift was marked by the growth of ice caps around the South Pole at the beginning of the Pennsylvanian sub-period.

Flora and Fauna

The Carboniferous period was a time of significant evolutionary advancement, with the emergence of new plant and animal species. The period saw the first true reptiles and the diversification of insects.

Flora

The Carboniferous was a time of great change in the world's flora. The period saw the rise of the first true trees, such as the extinct Lepidodendron, and the spread of vast forests across the Earth's swampy landscapes.

Fauna

The fauna of the Carboniferous was diverse and included the first true reptiles, amphibians, and insects. The period also saw the evolution of the first terrestrial vertebrates, including the ancestors of mammals.

Economic Significance

The Carboniferous period has significant economic importance due to the vast coal deposits that were formed during this time. These deposits have been mined for centuries and have been a major source of energy for human civilization.