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Which epochs make up the Quaternary Period?
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Quaternary
Distribution of landmasses, mountainous regions, shallow seas, and deep ocean basins during the Quaternary Period. Included in the paleogeographic reconstruction are the locations of the interval's subduction zones.
The Quaternary Period is formally divided into two epochs: the Pleistocene Epoch and the Holocene Epoch.12
- Pleistocene Epoch: Spanning from approximately 2.6 million years ago to 11,700 years ago, this epoch is characterized by a succession of glacial and interglacial climatic cycles.2
- Holocene Epoch: Beginning 11,700 years ago, this is the current epoch in which we live.23
Additionally, the Anthropocene Epoch has been proposed as a third, potential division of the Quaternary Period. This term is used to describe an interval characterized by the significant impact of human activity on Earth's systems; however, it remains an unofficial designation that has not yet been formally adopted by the International Union of Geological Sciences.3