Karbonperioden

Karbonperioden, also known as the Carboniferous Period, was a significant geological epoch that occurred approximately 359 to 299 million years ago. It is the second of the six periods in the Paleozoic Era, which is characterized by the emergence and diversification of early life forms. The Carboniferous Period is notable for the extensive coal deposits that formed during this time, which are a result of the abundant vegetation that thrived in the lush, swampy environments.

During the Carboniferous Period, the Earth's climate was generally warm and humid, with high levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide. This led to the formation of vast coal swamps, where plant matter accumulated and eventually transformed into coal over millions of years. The period is also known for the diverse array of plant life that existed, including ferns, horsetails, and the first true trees.

The Carboniferous Period is further divided into two main epochs: the Mississippian and the Pennsylvanian. The Mississippian Epoch is characterized by the deposition of marine sediments, while the Pennsylvanian Epoch saw the development of extensive coal deposits and the emergence of the first true forests.

The end of the Carboniferous Period was marked by a significant extinction event, known as the Late Devonian Extinction, which wiped out many marine species and paved the way for the subsequent Permian Period. Despite the extinction, the Carboniferous Period played a crucial role in the evolution of life on Earth, setting the stage for the diverse ecosystems that would emerge in the subsequent geological periods.