Thanetian

Formerly part ofTertiaryPeriod/SystemEtymologyName formalityFormalUsage informationCelestial bodyEarthRegional usageGlobal (ICS)Time scale(s) usedICS Time ScaleDefinitionChronological unitAgeStratigraphic unitStageTime span formalityFormalLower boundary definitionBase of magnetic polarity chronozone C26nLower boundary GSSPZumaia Section, Basque Country, Spain
43°17′59″N2°15′39″W / 43.2996°N 2.2609°W / 43.2996; -2.2609Lower GSSP ratified2008Upper boundary definitionStrong negative anomaly in δC values at the PETMUpper boundary GSSPDababiya section, Luxor, Egypt
25°30′00″N32°31′52″E / 25.5000°N 32.5311°E / 25.5000; 32.5311Upper GSSP ratified2003

The Thanetian is, in the ICSGeologic timescale, the latest age or uppermost stratigraphic stage of the PaleoceneEpoch or Series. It spans the time between 59.24 and56 Ma. The Thanetian is preceded by the Selandian Age and followed by the Ypresian Age (part of the Eocene). The Thanetian is sometimes referred to as the Late Paleocene.