kreidepaläogenen

Kreidepaläogenen is a term used in geology and paleontology to refer to a subdivision of geological time that encompasses the late Cretaceous period and the early Paleogene period. The term combines "Kreide," the German word for Cretaceous, and "Paläogen," referring to the Paleogene. It is often employed in German scientific literature to describe the transitional interval situated at the end of the Cretaceous and beginning of the Paleogene, approximately between 66 and 55 million years ago.

The Kreidepaläogenen is significant because it marks a major boundary in Earth's history, notably characterized by the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K–Pg) extinction event. This event led to the mass extinction of numerous species, including the non-avian dinosaurs, and resulted in profound ecological and evolutionary shifts. The period witnessed notable changes in global climate, sea levels, and biodiversity.

Geologically, the Kreidepaläogenen features an array of sedimentary deposits that contain critical fossil records. The transition is associated with transitional strata that exhibit a mix of Cretaceous and Paleogene characteristics, providing insights into the extinction event and subsequent recovery. The boundary between the Cretaceous and Paleogene is globally recognized as the K–Pg boundary, often marked by a distinct layer of iridium-rich clay.

In summary, kreidepaläogenen denotes a crucial epoch in Earth's history, representing the shift from the age of dinosaurs to the age of mammals. Its study helps scientists understand mass extinctions, recovery of life, and large-scale environmental changes during the Paleocene and late Cretaceous epochs.