 Which era are we currently in?  Which era is the oldest and longest?

Geologic Time Linda Kennedy, Department of Geography, UNCG, July 2011 An Introduction

Precambrian rock in North Carolina is located in the western portion of the state, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Caused by uplift of the Blue ridge hundreds of millions of years ago. Life during the Precambrian included single-celled, and simple multi-celled organisms. The Precambrian Era 4.5 billion – 570 million years ago

The Paleozoic Era “old life” 570 – 245 million years ago Piedmont rocks formed during the Paleozoic era and show the greatest variety of rock types. Piedmont refers to any region at the foot of a mountain. Characterized by “rolling hills.”

The Paleozoic Era “old life” 570 – 245 million years ago Rock formed during the Paleozoic is a valuable resource in North Carolina Metamorphic, sedimentary and igneous rocks of Paleozoic age are quarried throughout North Carolina, including the High Point area, for use in a variety of construction projects.

The Cenozoic Era “new life” 70 million years ago - present Coastal Plain formed in the Cenozoic era making up 45% of the state’s total land area. Inner Coastal Plain best known feature: Sand Hills formed by sediment eroded form the Blue Ridge and Piedmont Outer Coastal (Tidewater) Flat, poorly drained region of wetlands and beaches

 NC barrier islands include the Outer Banks  Flat, poorly drained region of wetlands and beaches.  Formed by rising sea levels surrounding coastal hills and ridges.