Orleanian

Orleanium (also Orléans - stage, or even just Orléans ) is a regional level in the terrestrial Neogene of Europe. It corresponds to the zone MN 3 to 5 of the European land mammal chronology ( ELMMZ = " European Land Mammal Mega - Zones" ). It is underlain by agenium and overlaid by Astaracium.

History and type locality

The stage is named named after the French city of Orléans, near which the type locality is located.

Definition

The lower limit is defined by the onset of large mammal species Gomphotherium, Procervulus, Lagomeryx, Actoocemas, Palaeomeryx, Brachyodus, Anchitherium, Aureliachoerus, Hemicyon. In the small mammals to no corresponding zone fossil is found. The stage ends with the first appearances of Tethytragus, Hispanomeryx, Euprox, Listriodon ( large mammals ) and Megacricetodon crusafonti and Megacricetodon Gerši ( small mammals ). The stage is correlated with the stage of the chronostratigraphic Burdigalium and lower Langhium. This corresponds in geochronology the period 20.4 to 15 million years ago.

Subdivision

The stage is divided into three biozones MN 3, 4 and 5. The stage is accordingly divided into Lower, Middle and Upper Orleanium.