Late Triassic

EtymologyChronostratigraphic nameUpper TriassicGeochronological nameLate TriassicName formalityFormalUsage informationCelestial bodyEarthRegional usageGlobal (ICS)Time scale(s) usedICS Time ScaleDefinitionChronological unitEpochStratigraphic unitSeriesTime span formalityFormalLower boundary definitionFAD of the AmmoniteLower boundary GSSP, Dolomites, Italy
46°31′37″N11°55′49″E / 46.5269°N 11.9303°E / 46.5269; 11.9303Lower GSSP ratified2008Upper boundary definitionFAD of the Ammonite Psiloceras spelae tirolicumUpper boundary GSSPKuhjoch section, Karwendel mountains, Northern Calcareous Alps, Austria
47°29′02″N11°31′50″E / 47.4839°N 11.5306°E / 47.4839; 11.5306Upper GSSP ratified2010

The Late Triassic is the third and final epoch of the TriassicPeriod in the geologic time scale, spanning the time between 237 Ma and 201.4 Ma (million years ago). It is preceded by the Middle Triassic Epoch and followed by the Early Jurassic Epoch. The corresponding series of rock beds is known as the Upper Triassic. The Late Triassic is divided into the Carnian, Norian and Rhaetianages.

Many of the first dinosaurs evolved during the Late Triassic, including Plateosaurus, Coelophysis, Herrerasaurus, and Eoraptor. The Triassic–Jurassic extinction event began during this epoch and is one of the five major mass extinction events of the Earth.