Terrains Jurassiques

work by Orbigny

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

"Terrains Jurassiques" is a significant work by Alcide Dessalines d'Orbigny, a pioneering figure in micropaleontology and stratigraphy. Published in 1842, this work focused on the Jurassic Period fossils found in northwestern Europe. D'Orbigny used distinct fossil assemblages within sedimentary rock layers to define paleontologically unique stages, essentially dividing geological time based on the fossils present in each layer. This approach allowed him to establish a framework for understanding geological time and correlating rock strata. Many of d'Orbigny's Jurassic stages are still utilized today, highlighting the lasting impact of his work on paleontology and geology.12

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

2 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.

geochronology
Stages and zones
…study of the French Jurassic Terrains Jurassiques (1842). This departure from a lithologically based concept of paleontologic succession enabled d’Orbigny to define paleontologically unique stages. Each stage represented a unique period in time and formed the basis of later work that resulted in the further subdivision of d’Orbigny’s original stages…
Read More
…study of the French Jurassic Terrains Jurassiques (1842). This departure from a lithologically based concept of paleontologic succession enabled d’Orbigny to define paleontologically unique stages. Each stage represented a unique period in time and formed the basis of later work that resulted in the further subdivision of d’Orbigny’s original stages…
Read More