Maastrichtian是什么意思，Maastrichtian翻译

Maastrichtian是什么意思，Maastrichtian翻译

Maastrichtian: The Last Stage of the Cretaceous Period

The Maastrichtian is the final stage of the Cretaceous period, which occurred approximately 70.6 to 66 million years ago. This stage is named after the city of Maastricht in the Netherlands, where the first rock formations of this age were discovered. The Maastrichtian period was a time of significant geological, climatic, and biological changes, many of which laid the foundation for the events that followed the extinction of the dinosaurs.

During the Maastrichtian stage, the Earth's climate was warmer and more humid compared to the present day. This was a result of the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, primarily carbon dioxide. The increased levels of carbon dioxide led to global warming, which in turn caused sea levels to rise and coastal environments to expand. These environmental changes had a profound impact on the distribution and evolution of plant and animal species.

The biodiversity of the Maastrichtian period was remarkable, with a wide variety of plants, insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals thriving. However, it is often remembered as the time when the dinosaurs ruled the Earth. The late Cretaceous saw the emergence of large, diverse dinosaur species such as the Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and Ankylosaurus. These creatures dominated the landscapes and played a significant role in the planet's ecosystems.

The Maastrichtian stage was also a time of great geological activity. Volcanic eruptions were common, releasing large amounts of ash and toxic gases into the atmosphere. These volcanic activities contributed to the warming trend and also led to the formation of large igneous provinces, such as the Deccan Traps in India. The intense volcanic activity and subsequent climate change had a profound impact on the Earth's environment, altering ocean chemistry and disrupting ecosystems.

One of the most significant events that marked the end of the Maastrichtian stage and the Cretaceous period was the mass extinction event known as the K