Devensian

views updated Jun 08 2018

Devensian The last glacial stage in Britain (named after a Celtic tribe, the Devense), which lasted from around 70 000 years bp (possibly earlier) to about 10 000 years bp. It is approximately synchronous with the Wisconsinian Stage in North America, the Weichselian Glaciation in northern Europe, and the Würm Glaciation in the Alps. The Devensian was preceded by the Ipswichian interglacial, and followed by the Flandrian (i.e. present) interglacial. The Devensian was unusual because of the high rate of megafaunal extinction with which it ended; these extinctions are sometimes attributed to human activities, but the matter is controversial. See also Allerød; Bølling; Chelford interstadial; Dryas; late glacial; Loch Lomond Stadial; Upton Warren interstadial; and Windermere interstadial.

Devensian

views updated May 08 2018

Devensian The last glacial stage in Britain, lasting from around 70 000 years BP (possibly earlier) to about 10 000 years BP. It is approximately synchronous with the Wisconsinian Stage in N. America, the Weichselian Glaciation in northern Europe and the Würm Glaciation in the Alps. The Devensian was preceded by the Ipswichian Interglacial, and followed by the Flandrian (i.e. present) Interglacial. See also ALLERØD; BØLLING; CHELFORD INTERSTADIAL; DRYAS; LATE-GLACIAL; LOCH LOMOND STADIAL; UPTON WARREN INTERSTADIAL; and WINDERMERE INTERSTADIAL.

Devensian

views updated May 18 2018

Devensian (Weichselian, Würm) The last glacial advance in northern Europe, approximately 75000–10000 years BP. It is approximately synchronous with the Wisconsinian glaciation in N. America.

Devensian

views updated May 14 2018

Devensian (Weichselian, Würm) The last glacial advance in N. Europe, approximately 70 000–10 000 years BP. It is approximately synchronous with the Wisconsinian glaciation in N. America.

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