Jump to content

Eratosthenian

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Eratosthenian
3200 – 1100 Ma
Chronology
4500 
4000 
3500 
3000 
2500 
2000 
1500 
1000 
500 
0 
 
 
 
Periods on the Lunar Geologic Timescale. Axis scale: Millions of years ago.
Usage information
Celestial bodyEarth's Moon
Time scale(s) usedLunar Geologic Timescale
Definition
Chronological unitPeriod

The Eratosthenian period in the lunar geologic timescale runs from 3.2 billion years ago to 1.1 billion years ago. It is named after the crater Eratosthenes, which displays characteristics typical of craters of this age, including a surface that is not significantly eroded by subsequent impacts, but which also does not possess a ray system. The massive basaltic volcanism of the Imbrian period tapered off and ceased during this long span of lunar time. The youngest lunar lava flows identified from orbital images are tentatively placed near the end of this period.[not verified in body]

Its equivalent on Earth consists of most of the Mesoarchean and Neoarchean eras (Archean eon), Paleoproterozoic and Mesoproterozoic eras (Proterozoic eon).[not verified in body]

Examples

[edit]

Other than Eratosthenes itself, examples of large Eratosthenian craters on the near side of the Moon include Langrenus, Macrobius, Aristoteles, Hausen, Moretus, Pythagoras, Scoresby, Bullialdus, Plutarch, and Cavalerius. On the far side, examples include Olcott, Hamilton, Birkeland, Finsen, Kirkwood, and Ricco.[1]

References

[edit]
  1. Unified Geologic Map of the Moon, C. M. Fortezzo, P. D. Spudis, S. L. Harrel, 2020. United States Geological Survey.
Early ImbrianLate ImbrianPre-NectarianNectarianEratosthenianCopernican period
Millions of years before present