Langhian

Formerly part ofTertiaryPeriod/SystemEtymologyName formalityFormalUsage informationCelestial bodyEarthRegional usageGlobal (ICS)Time scale(s) usedICS Time ScaleDefinitionChronological unitAgeStratigraphic unitStageTime span formalityFormalLower boundary definitionNot formally definedLower boundary definition candidates

• Near top of magnetic polarity chronozone C5Cn.1n
• Near FAD of the Planktonic Foraminiferan

Lower boundary GSSP candidate section(s)

• , Italy
• St. Peter's Pool, Malta
• Astronomically tuned ODP-core

Upper boundary definitionMi3b Oxygen-isotopic event (Global cooling episode)Upper boundary GSSPRas il Pellegrin section, Fomm ir-Riħ Bay, Malta
35°54′50″N14°20′10″E / 35.9139°N 14.3361°E / 35.9139; 14.3361Upper GSSP ratified2007

In the ICSgeologic timescale, the Langhian is an age or stage in the middle MioceneEpoch/Series. It spans the time between 15.98 Ma and 13.82 (million years ago) during the Middle Miocene.

The Langhian was a continuing warming period defined by Lorenzo Pareto in 1865, it was originally established in the Langhe area north of Ceva in northern Italy, hence the name. The Langhian is preceded by the Burdigalian and followed by the Serravallian Stage.