Early Cretaceous

EtymologyChronostratigraphic nameLower CretaceousGeochronological nameEarly CretaceousName formalityFormalUsage informationCelestial bodyEarthRegional usageGlobal (ICS)Time scale(s) usedICS Time ScaleDefinitionChronological unitEpochStratigraphic unitSeriesTime span formalityFormalLower boundary definitionNot formally definedLower boundary definition candidates

• Magnetic—base of Chron M18r
• Base of Calpionellid zone B
• FAD of AmmoniteBerriasella jacobi

Lower boundary GSSP candidate section(s)NoneUpper boundary definitionFAD of the Planktonic ForaminiferUpper boundary GSSPMont Risoux, Hautes-Alpes, France
44°23′33″N5°30′43″E / 44.3925°N 5.5119°E / 44.3925; 5.5119Upper GSSP ratified2002

The Early Cretaceous (geochronological name) or the Lower Cretaceous (chronostratigraphic name) is the earlier or lower of the two major divisions of the Cretaceous. It is usually considered to stretch from 143.1 Ma to 100.5 Ma.