Statherian

The Statherian ( /stəˈθɪəriən/; Ancient Greek: σταθερός, romanized: statherós, meaning "stable, firm") is the fourth and final geologic period in the Paleoproterozoic Era, lasting from 1800 to 1600 million years ago (Ma) and spanning 200 million years. It follows the Orosirian Period and precedes the Calymmian Period, with the latter belonging to the Mesoproterozoic Era. Instead of being based on stratigraphy, these dates are defined chronometrically.

Name formalityFormal

Celestial bodyEarth

Regional usageGlobal (ICS)

Time scale(s) usedICS Time Scale

Quick facts Chronology, Etymology ...

Statherian
1800 – 1600 Ma Pha. Proterozoic Archean Had.
Map of Earth during the Statherian, c. 1740 Ma[citation needed]
Chronology
−1820 — – −1800 — – −1780 — – −1760 — – −1740 — – −1720 — – −1700 — – −1680 — – −1660 — – −1640 — – −1620 — – −1600 — – −1580 — Paleoproterozoic Mp Orosirian Statherian Calymmian     ← Rafatazmia evolves, Chuanlinggou Formation preserves oldest macroscopic eukaryotes ← Natural nuclear fission reactors form in Oklo, Gabon ← Beginning of the Boring Billion Events of the Statherian Period Vertical axis scale: Millions of years ago
Etymology
Name formality	Formal
Usage information
Celestial body	Earth
Regional usage	Global (ICS)
Time scale(s) used	ICS Time Scale
Definition
Chronological unit	Period
Stratigraphic unit	System
Time span formality	Formal
Lower boundary definition	Defined chronometrically
Lower GSSA ratified	1990[1]
Upper boundary definition	Defined chronometrically
Upper GSSA ratified	1990[1]

Close

The period was characterized on most continents by either new platforms or final cratonization of fold belts. Oxygen levels were 10% to 20% of current values.^[2]

Rafatazmia, controversially^[3] claimed to be present in Statherian beds in India, may be the oldest known confirmably eukaryotic fossil organism.^[4]

By the beginning of the Statherian, the supercontinent Columbia had assembled.^[5]

Approximately 1.7 billion years ago, natural nuclear fission reactors were generating power in what is now Oklo, Gabon.^[6]