cretaceous etymology

Etymology:

• Latin: creta ("chalk")
• French: crétacé ("chalky")

Meaning:

• Relating to the geological period of the Cretaceous, which lasted from about 145 to 66 million years ago.

Origin:

The term "Cretaceous" was first coined in 1822 by the Belgian geologist Jean d'Omalius d'Halloy, who named the geological period after the massive chalk deposits that were laid down during this time.

Chalk is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of the mineral calcite (calcium carbonate). During the Cretaceous period, the ocean covered much of the Earth's surface, and vast carbonate platforms deposited thick layers of chalk. These chalk deposits are now found in many parts of the world, including the White Cliffs of Dover in England and the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.

The Cretaceous period is significant because it represents a time of major biological and geological change on Earth. It was during this period that:

• The dinosaurs reached their peak of diversity and abundance.
• The first flowering plants evolved.
• The continents continued to drift and collide, shaping the Earth's landmasses.
• The Earth's climate underwent significant fluctuations, including periods of extreme warmth and cooling.
• The mass extinction at the end of the Cretaceous period, which wiped out the non-avian dinosaurs and many other species, occurred.

cretaceous relate terms

• pteranodon

• fairy

  Etymology The word fairy is derived from the Old French word faerie which in turn e

• Mesozoic

  Etymology Mesozoic is a term derived from Ancient Greek meso μέσος meaning

• period

  Etymology The word period comes from the Middle English word periode which itself

• James

  Etymology The name James is derived from the Late Latin name Iacobus which is a translit

• salmon

  Etymology The English word salmon is derived from the Old French word saumon which i

• idiosyncrasy

  Etymology Greek idios one s own special synkrasis mixture blend Meaning

• Spam

  Etymology The term spam is a portmanteau of spiced ham a canned meat product sold b

• constellation

  Etymology The word constellation is derived from the Latin word constellatio which

• cologne

  Etymology The word cologne comes from the Latin word aqua colonia which means water