The "K" of "K-T" (was: Re: FAQs)

[tholtz@geochange.er.usgs.gov]

>>  > What does the K-T in K-T boundary mean?
>> 
>> Kretaceous-Tertiary, that is it is an abbreviation of the
>> statement that the extenction marks the boundary between the
>> Cretaceous and Tertiary periods.

>A bit of clarification: K is used for Cretaceous because C is used
>for Cambrian.

Actually, Cambrian is a "C" with a short transverse line through the
middle.  Just plain "C" is for the Carboniferous, a period which in the
U.S. is normally divided into two periods, Misissippian and Pennsylvanian.

                                     

                                
Thomas R. Holtz, Jr.
Vertebrate Paleontologist in Exile
U.S. Geological Survey
Branch of Paleontology & Stratigraphy
MS 970 National Center
Reston, VA  22092

email:  tholtz@geochange.er.usgs.gov 
Phone:  703-648-5280
FAX:            703-648-5420