The 'Tonian' (from
Greek ''tonas'', "stretch") is the first
geologic period in the
Neoproterozoic Era and lasted from 1000
Ma to 850 Ma (million years ago). Instead of being based on
stratigraphy, these dates are defined by the
ICS based on
radiometric chronometry.
Events leading to the breakup of
supercontinent Rodinia started in this period.
The first radiation of
acritarchs occurred during the Tonian.
References
★
Tonian Period
★
Status on Divisions of the International Geologic Time Scale., James G. Ogg, , , Lethaia, 2004