System/ PeriodSeries/ EpochStage/ AgeAge (Ma)
QuaternaryPleistoceneGelasianyounger
NeogenePliocenePiacenzian2.583.600
Zanclean3.6005.333
MioceneMessinian5.3337.246
Tortonian7.24611.63
Serravallian11.6313.82
Langhian13.8215.97
Burdigalian15.9720.44
Aquitanian20.4423.03
PaleogeneOligoceneChattianolder
Subdivision of the Neogene Period according to the ICS, as of 2017

The Middle Miocene is a sub-epoch of the Miocene epoch made up of two stages: the Langhian and Serravallian stages. The Middle Miocene is preceded by the Early Miocene, and followed by the Late Miocene.

The sub-epoch lasted from 15.97 ± 0.05 Ma (million years ago) to 11.608 ± 0.005 Ma. During this period, a sharp drop in global temperatures took place. This event is known as the Middle Miocene Climatic Transition.

For the purpose of establishing European land mammal ages, this sub-epoch is equivalent to the Astaracian age.

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