The European-Seaway refers to an ancient body of water that existed during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 85 to 65 million years ago. This seaway was a significant geological feature that played a crucial role in the distribution and evolution of marine life across what is now Europe.
**Geographical Extent**: The European-Seaway stretched from the present-day Arctic Ocean in the north, through what is now the North Sea, and down into the regions of modern-day France, Germany, and even as far as the Tethys Ocean, which was situated in the area of the current Mediterranean Sea. It was not a continuous body of water but rather a series of interconnected marine environments separated by islands and land bridges.
**Formation and Evolution**: The seaway's formation was influenced by tectonic movements and sea level changes. During the Cretaceous, sea levels were much higher than today due to extensive flooding of the continents, known as the Cretaceous Sea-Level Rise. This flooding was partly due to the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea, which resulted in the opening of the North Atlantic Ocean. The seaway facilitated the exchange of marine fauna between the Tethys Ocean and the Arctic Ocean.
**Marine Life**: The European-Seaway was home to a diverse array of marine organisms, including:
**Paleoenvironmental Impact**: The European-Seaway influenced the climate and environments of the surrounding landmasses, promoting the growth of coastal ecosystems. These environments were rich in nutrients, supporting a complex food web. The seaway also acted as a barrier, isolating terrestrial species on either side, which could have influenced evolutionary patterns.
**End of the Seaway**: The closure of the European-Seaway began towards the end of the Cretaceous due to tectonic movements and a global drop in sea levels. This process was exacerbated by the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event, which led to significant environmental changes worldwide.
**Research and Studies**: Modern research on the European-Seaway involves paleontology, sedimentology, and paleoclimatology to understand its role in ancient Earth's systems. Studies often focus on fossil records, sedimentary layers, and isotopic analysis to reconstruct past environments.
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