Title
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2016
Abstract
A global rise in sea level occurred during the Cretaceous; as a result, sea level stood as high during the Late Cretaceous than at any other time in the Phanerozoic history of Earth. Although Pangea had begun to breakup during the Early Mesozoic Era, the smaller continents remained tightly clustered at the beginning of Cretaceous time. The continued breakup of Pangea and the dispersion of the newly created continents were among the most important events that occurred during the global geography of the Cretaceous. Especially important was the breakup of Gondwana. Gondwana was still intact at the beginning of the Cretaceous. However by the end of the period, South America, Africa, and India had all become individual continental masses; only Antarctica and Australia remained attached to each other.
Recommended Citation
Renton, John J. and Repine, Thomas, "The Cretaceous Period" (2016). Readings and Notes. 21.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/earthscience_readings/21