Earth Geology Geologic Time Scale Quaternary Period

Quaternary Period

The Quaternary time period has lasted from 1.8 million years ago until the present, a time span of 1.8 million years. The term Quaternary (fourth) was first used in 1829 to describe deposits in the Seine Basin in France, which were above the third or Tertiary rocks. These Quaternary rocks are defined based on a particular type of fossil assemblage contained within them. They are located above the rocks of the Tertiary System.