Hadean
Hadean
| Hierarchy: | Precambrian Hadean |
|---|---|
| Classification: | Eon (as per International Commission on Stratigraphy) |
| Top: | 4000 Ma |
| Base: | ~4567 Ma |
| Preceeds: | Archean Eoarchean |
| Primary Divisions: | Early ImbrianNectarianBasin GroupsCryptic |
| FGDC code: | > |
The first geologic eon of the Earth, it begins with the formation of the earth and runs until 4 billion years ago.
It is characterised by heavy asteroid bombardment and, slowly, cooling of the surface and the build up of water on the surface of the Earth.
It is characterised by heavy asteroid bombardment and, slowly, cooling of the surface and the build up of water on the surface of the Earth.
An artistic conception of the early Earth, showing a surface pummeled by large impacts, resulting in extrusion of deep seated magma onto the surface. At the same time, distal portions of the surface could have retained liquid water. Credit: Simone Marchi/SwRI.
Geologic Events
| Event Name | Type | Age | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naiper orogeny | Orogeny | 4000 ± 200 Ma | Antarctica |
| Late Heavy Bombardment (concludes) | Impact Event | ~4100 - ~3800 Ma | Global |
| First life (concludes) | Evolutionary event | ~4280 - ~3500 Ma | Global |
| First oceans (concludes) | Major Climatic Event | ~4410 Ma | Global |
Overview of geological time
List all geological events
