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Valanginian Stage
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Cretaceous Period in geologic time
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Valanginian Stage

stratigraphy
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Article History

Valanginian Stage, second of six main divisions (in ascending order) in the Lower Cretaceous Series, representing rocks deposited worldwide during the Valanginian Age, which occurred 139.8 million to 132.9 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period. Rocks of the Valanginian Stage overlie those of the Berriasian Stage and underlie rocks of the Hauterivian Stage.

The name for this stage is derived from the type district near Valangin, Switzerland. In Great Britain and elsewhere in northern Europe, the Valanginian is represented by portions of the Wealden Beds; limestones dominate the Valanginian of the Swiss Alps and the Middle East. The Valanginian is characterized by sandstones in India, Australia, Japan, Mongolia, and northern Siberia. Shales occur in New Zealand, parts of Mongolia, and North Africa. The Valanginian has been divided into three biozones representing shorter spans of time and characterized by certain ammonites that are used as index fossils.

This article was most recently revised and updated by John P. Rafferty.