Toarcian

EtymologyName formalityFormalUsage informationCelestial bodyEarthRegional usageGlobal (ICS)Time scale(s) usedICS Time ScaleDefinitionChronological unitAgeStratigraphic unitStageTime span formalityFormalLower boundary definitionPeniche, PortugalLower boundary GSSPFAD of the AmmoniteD. (E.) simplex
39°22′15″N9°23′07″W / 39.3708°N 9.3853°W / 39.3708; -9.3853Lower GSSP ratified2014Upper boundary definitionFAD of the Ammonites and Upper boundary GSSPFuentelsaz, Spain
41°10′15″N1°50′00″W / 41.1708°N 1.8333°W / 41.1708; -1.8333Upper GSSP ratified2000

The Toarcian is, in the ICS' geologic timescale, an age and stage in the Early or Lower Jurassic. It spans the time between 184.2 Ma (million years ago) and 174.7 ±0.8 Ma. It follows the Pliensbachian and is followed by the Aalenian.

The Toarcian Age began with the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event, a major anoxic event associated with marine extinctions and increased global temperatures that sets its fossil faunas apart from the previous Pliensbachian age. It is believed to have ended with a global cooling event known as the Comptum Cooling Event, although whether it represented a worldwide event is controversial.