Carboniferous

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Carboniferous regional subdivisions

Red Wharf Limestone Formation, Red Wharf Bay, Anglesey, North Wales, UK

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Hyden Formation over Pikeville Formation (Middle Pennsylvanian; Jackson North roadcut, Breathitt County, Kentucky, USA) 1

Pangea assembly 310

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Diorama of a Pennsylanian forest floor - Edaphosaurus (30660307277)

Carboniferous is a geological period that spans from about 358.9 ± 0.4 million years ago to about 298.9 ± 0.15 million years ago. It is the fifth period of the Paleozoic Era, following the Devonian and preceding the Permian. The Carboniferous Period is divided into two subperiods: the Mississippian (or Lower Carboniferous), which lasted from about 358.9 to 323.2 million years ago, and the Pennsylvanian (or Upper Carboniferous), which lasted from about 323.2 to 298.9 million years ago. This period is known for its vast swampy forests, which are the source of much of the world's coal reserves, hence the name Carboniferous, meaning "coal-bearing".

Geology

The Carboniferous Period was characterized by a warm, wet climate that supported extensive forests and swamps across much of the equatorial region of Pangea, the supercontinent that began to form during this time. These conditions were ideal for the growth of lush vegetation, which, upon dying and decomposing, formed the extensive coal beds that this period is known for. The Carboniferous also saw the first extensive glaciation of the Paleozoic Era, with ice sheets covering much of the southern hemisphere, particularly on the continent of Gondwana.

Life

The Carboniferous Period was a time of significant evolutionary advancement and diversification. It is most notable for the dominance of amphibians and the emergence of the first reptiles, marking a significant evolutionary step towards the amniotic egg and the independence from water for reproduction. The vast forests and swamps were dominated by large lycophytes (such as Lepidodendron and Sigillaria), ferns, and seed ferns, which contributed to the period's significant coal deposits. The oceans were populated by diverse marine life, including sharks, corals, and ammonites. The Carboniferous is also notable for the diversification of insects, including the appearance of some of the first flying insects.

Economic Importance

The Carboniferous Period has significant economic importance due to its vast coal deposits, which have been a major source of fuel since the Industrial Revolution. These coal beds were formed from the dense forests and swamps that covered much of the Earth during this period. The extraction and use of Carboniferous coal have been a critical factor in the development of human societies and industrial technologies.

Climate and Environmental Changes

The Carboniferous Period experienced significant climate fluctuations, with the early part of the period being warm and humid, supporting widespread coal-forming forests. However, by the end of the Carboniferous, the climate had cooled significantly, leading to the glaciation of Gondwana and a decrease in tropical forests. These changes had profound effects on the biosphere, driving adaptations and extinctions among plant and animal species.

Legacy

The Carboniferous Period left a lasting legacy on Earth's geology and biological diversity. Its coal beds continue to be a vital energy resource, while its fossils provide critical insights into the evolution of life on Earth, particularly the transition of life from water to land. The period's extensive glaciations also played a crucial role in shaping the planet's geological and climatic history.