Berriasian Age

geochronology

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 20, 2026

Quick Summary

The Berriasian Stage is the first of six divisions of the Lower Cretaceous Series, representing rocks formed between 145 and 139.8 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period. This age is named after Berrias, a region in southeastern France, which serves as the classic type district for rocks of this era.1

Geochronology is the scientific field focused on determining the age and history of Earth's rocks and rock assemblages. This is achieved by studying the distribution and succession of rock strata and the fossil organisms within them. The Berriasian Stage's rocks are found above those of the Jurassic System's Tithonian Stage and below those of the Valanginian Stage. A distinct ammonite genus is used as an index fossil to characterize the Berriasian Stage.21

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Berriasian Stage
…rocks deposited worldwide during the Berriasian Age, which occurred between 145 million and 139.8 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period. Rocks of the Berriasian overlie those of the Jurassic System’s Tithonian Stage and underlie rocks of the Valanginian Stage.
Read More
…rocks deposited worldwide during the Berriasian Age, which occurred between 145 million and 139.8 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period. Rocks of the Berriasian overlie those of the Jurassic System’s Tithonian Stage and underlie rocks of the Valanginian Stage.
Read More