SUB-ATLANTIC CLIMATIC INTERVAL

division of Holocene chronology (the Holocene Epoch began about 10,000 years ago and continues to the present). The Sub-Atlantic Interval followed the Sub-Boreal Climatic Interval and continues today. The Sub-Atlantic began about 225 BC (estimated on the basis of radiocarbon dating) and has been characterized by increased rainfall, cooler and more humid climates, and the dominance of beech forests. The fauna of the Sub-Atlantic is essentially modern although severely depleted by human activities. The Sub-Atlantic is correlated with pollen zone IX; sea levels have been generally regressive during this time interval, though North America is an exception.