Ludlow Epoch

In the geological timescale, the Ludlow Epoch or Mid-Late Silurian (from 426.7 ± 1.5 million years ago to 422.7 ± 1.6 million years ago) occurred during the Silurian Period, after the end of the Homerian Age. It is named for the town of Ludlow in Shropshire, England.

Name formalityFormal

Name ratified1980^[4]

Celestial bodyEarth

Regional usageGlobal (ICS)

Quick facts Chronology, Etymology ...

Ludlow
426.7 ± 1.5 – 422.7 ± 1.6 Ma PreꞒ Ꞓ O S D C P T J K Pg N
A map of Earth as it appeared 425 million years ago during the Ludlow Epoch, Ludfordian Age
Chronology
−444 — – −442 — – −440 — – −438 — – −436 — – −434 — – −432 — – −430 — – −428 — – −426 — – −424 — – −422 — – −420 — – Paleozoic Silurian D Llandovery Wenlock Ludlow Přídolí Early D Rhuddanian Aeronian Telychian Sheinwoodian Homerian Gorstian Ludfordian O Late O       ← Lau event ← Mulde event[1] ← Ireviken event[2] Subdivision of the Silurian according to the ICS, as of 2024.[3] Vertical axis scale: Millions of years ago
Etymology
Name formality	Formal
Name ratified	1980[4]
Usage information
Celestial body	Earth
Regional usage	Global (ICS)
Time scale(s) used	ICS Time Scale
Definition
Chronological unit	Epoch
Stratigraphic unit	Series
Time span formality	Formal
Lower boundary definition	FAD of the Graptolite Saetograptus (Colonograptus) varians
Lower boundary GSSP	Pitch Coppice, Ludlow, U.K. 52.3592°N 2.7772°W / 52.3592; -2.7772
Lower GSSP ratified	1980[4]
Upper boundary definition	FAD of the Graptolite Monograptus parultimus.
Upper boundary GSSP	Požáry Section, Prague-Řeporyje, Czech Republic 50.0277°N 14.3249°E / 50.0277; 14.3249
Upper GSSP ratified	1984[5][6]

Close

The Ludlow Epoch is subdivided into two stages: Gorstian and Ludfordian.