laatJuraschiergebied

The Laat Juraschiergebied, often referred to as the Lower Jurassic area, designates a geological period approximately 201.3 to 174.1 million years ago. This era marks the second period of the Mesozoic Era, following the Triassic and preceding the Upper Jurassic. The Laat Juraschiergebied is characterized by significant geological and biological developments. Continental drift continued, with the supercontinent Pangaea beginning to break apart. This rifting led to the formation of new ocean basins, most notably the central Atlantic Ocean.

Paleogeographically, vast inland seas and shallow marine environments were common in many regions. The climate during the Laat Juraschiergebied is generally understood to have been warm and humid, with a lack of polar ice caps. This allowed for widespread plant and animal life.

The flora of the Laat Juraschiergebied was dominated by gymnosperms, including cycads, conifers, and ginkgoes. Ferns and horsetails were also abundant, creating lush forests and vegetation cover. The fauna saw the rise and diversification of dinosaurs. While not yet reaching their peak diversity of the later Jurassic, large herbivorous dinosaurs like sauropodomorphs and early theropods were present. Marine reptiles such as ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs thrived in the oceans. Pterosaurs, the first flying vertebrates, also appeared during this period.

Fossil sites from the Laat Juraschiergebied are crucial for understanding the evolution of life and the Earth's history during this pivotal time. Notable fossil discoveries provide insights into the transition from Triassic to Jurassic ecosystems and the early evolution of many important animal groups. The geological formations from this period are important for hydrocarbon exploration due to the presence of organic-rich shales and potential source rocks.