In the geologic timescale, the Olenekian is an age in the Early Triassic epoch; in chronostratigraphy, it is a stage in the Lower Triassic series. It spans the time between 251.2 Ma and 247.2 Ma. The Olenekian is sometimes divided into the Smithian and the Spathian subages or substages. The Olenekian follows the Induan and is followed by the Anisian.
Olenekian Buntsandstein in Heligoland, Germany
Skull of the ray-finned fish Birgeria americana
Skull of the temnospondyl amphibian Trematosaurus brauni
Skull of the archosauriform reptile Erythrosuchus africanus
The Early Triassic is the first of three epochs of the Triassic Period of the geologic timescale. It spans the time between 251.9 Ma and 247.2 Ma. Rocks from this epoch are collectively known as the Lower Triassic Series, which is a unit in chronostratigraphy. The Early Triassic is the oldest epoch of the Mesozoic Era. It is preceded by the Lopingian Epoch and followed by the Middle Triassic Epoch. The Early Triassic is divided into the Induan and Olenekian ages. The Induan is subdivided into the Griesbachian and Dienerian subages and the Olenekian is subdivided into the Smithian and Spathian subages.
Sandstone from the Lower Triassic Series
The Putorana Plateau is composed of basalt rocks of the Siberian Traps.
Early Triassic brittle stars (echinoderms)
Fossils of the bivalve Claraia clarai
