Middle Triassic

EtymologyName formalityFormalUsage informationCelestial bodyEarthRegional usageGlobal (ICS)Time scale(s) usedICS Time ScaleDefinitionChronological unitEpochStratigraphic unitSeriesTime span formalityFormalLower boundary definitionNot formally definedLower boundary definition candidates

• FAD of the ConodontChiosella timorensis
• Base of magnetic zone MT1n

Lower boundary GSSP candidate section(s)

• , Northern Dobruja, Romania
• Guandao, Guizhou, China

Upper boundary definitionFAD of the AmmoniteUpper boundary GSSP, Dolomites, Italy
46°31′37″N11°55′49″E / 46.5269°N 11.9303°E / 46.5269; 11.9303Upper GSSP ratified2008

In the geologic timescale, the Middle Triassic is the second of three epochs of the Triassicperiod or the middle of three series in which the Triassic system is divided in chronostratigraphy. The Middle Triassic spans the time between 247 Ma and 237 Ma (million years ago). It is preceded by the Early Triassic Epoch and followed by the Late Triassic Epoch. The Middle Triassic is divided into the Anisian and Ladinianages or stages.

Formerly the middle series in the Triassic was also known as Muschelkalk. This name is now only used for a specific unit of rock strata with approximately Middle Triassic age, found in western Europe. The Ashfield Shale and Bringelly Shale of western Sydney date to this epoch, with the former featuring fluvial fossils from that era.