Olenekian

EtymologyName formalityFormalUsage informationCelestial bodyEarthRegional usageGlobal (ICS)Time scale(s) usedICS Time ScaleDefinitionChronological unitAgeStratigraphic unitStageTime span formalityFormalLower boundary definitionNot formally definedLower boundary definition candidatesFAD of the ConodontNeospathodus waageniLower boundary GSSP candidate section(s)Mud (Muth) village, Spiti valley, IndiaUpper boundary definitionNot formally definedUpper boundary definition candidates

• FAD of the Conodont Chiosella timorensis
• Base of magnetic zone MT1n

Upper boundary GSSP candidate section(s)

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

In the geologic timescale, the Olenekian is an age in the Early Triassicepoch; in chronostratigraphy, it is a stage in the Lower Triassicseries. It spans the time between 250.8 Ma and 247 Ma (million years ago). 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 (Middle Triassic).

The Olenekian saw the deposition of a large part of the Buntsandstein in Europe. The Olenekian is roughly coeval with the regional Yongningzhenian Stage used in China.