kvartérnu

Kvartérnu is a term used in some contexts to refer to the Quaternary period, the current and most recent geological period of the Earth's history. It began approximately 2.58 million years ago and is characterized by the onset of the Pleistocene epoch, which saw the alternation of glacial and interglacial periods, commonly known as ice ages. This period is further divided into the Holocene epoch, which began about 11,700 years ago and continues to the present day.

The Quaternary period is notable for its significant climatic fluctuations, which profoundly influenced global ecosystems and led to major evolutionary developments in flora and fauna, including the emergence and evolution of humans. Geologically, the Quaternary is marked by significant deposition of sediments, erosion, and the formation of landforms shaped by glaciers and changing sea levels. The study of the Quaternary is crucial for understanding past climate change, predicting future environmental trends, and reconstructing the history of life on Earth. Scientific disciplines like paleontology, glaciology, and archeology heavily rely on the evidence and chronology established within this period.