Rhyacian Period

E226914

The Rhyacian Period is a geologic time interval in the early Proterozoic characterized by significant crustal growth, widespread metamorphism, and some of the earliest known large-scale glaciations.

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All labels observed (3)

Statements (46)

Predicate Object
instanceOf chronostratigraphic unit
geologic period
associatedWith development of stable continental platforms
early Proterozoic oxygenation trend
growth of Archean cratonic nuclei
biologicalSignificance early evolution of prokaryotic life
possible diversification of cyanobacteria
characterizedBy early large-scale glaciations
orogenic activity
significant continental crustal growth
stabilization of cratons
widespread metamorphism
chronologicalRank period
correspondingChronostratigraphicUnit Rhyacian System
definedBy absolute radiometric ages rather than a specific GSSP
duration approximately 250 million years
end 2050 million years ago
endUncertainty ±10 million years
environmentalConditions increasing atmospheric oxygen compared to Archean
widespread glacial climates at low latitudes
era Paleoproterozoic Era
followedBy Orosirian Period
followedByEvent intensified Orosirian orogenies
follows Siderian Period
geologicEon Proterozoic Eon
globalExtent worldwide
hasMajorEvent Huronian glaciation
Huronian glaciation
surface form: Makganyene glaciation

global-scale ice ages
lithologicalRecord glacial diamictites
metamorphosed sedimentary and volcanic sequences
paleosols reflecting changing atmosphere
namedAfter Greek word "rhyax" meaning "stream" or "flow"
partOf Paleoproterozoic Era
positionInTimeScale second period of the Paleoproterozoic
precededByEvent Siderian banded iron formation deposition peak
recognizedBy geochronologists
stratigraphers
standardAbbreviation Rh
start 2300 million years ago
startUncertainty ±20 million years
tectonicActivity assembly and reworking of early Proterozoic crust
formation of large continental landmasses
timeScale Proterozoic Eon
timeScaleType geochronologic unit
usedIn International Chronostratigraphic Chart
surface form: International Commission on Stratigraphy time scale

Referenced by (4)

Full triples — surface form annotated when it differs from this entity's canonical label.

Paleoproterozoic Era containsSubdivision Rhyacian Period
Ectasian Period temporalRelation Rhyacian Period
this entity surface form: older than Stenian Period
Ectasian Period temporalRelation Rhyacian Period
this entity surface form: younger than Calymmian Period
Orosirian Period follows Rhyacian Period