CARNIAN STAGE

subdivision of the Triassic System, representing rocks deposited worldwide during the Carnian Age (230 to 225 million years ago). Rocks of the Carnian Stage overlie those of the Ladinian and underlie rocks of the Norian Stage; the Carnian is the lowermost stage of the Upper Triassic. First studied in the Alps of Europe, it consists largely of marine rocks that were deposited in varying depths of water. In Bavaria shallow-water sandstones with characteristic fossil forms occur, while in the Carnic Alps coral limestones and dolomites deposited in deeper water predominate. The record of the Carnian is complex, and numerous environments of deposition are represented.