Based on the provided reference, a significant period of exceptionally high sea levels occurred during the Cretaceous period.
Past Sea Levels During the Cretaceous Period
According to a 2022 study published in the journal Gondwana Research, during the Cretaceous period (a span of time roughly from 145 million to 66 million years ago), global sea levels were estimated to be significantly elevated compared to today's levels.
Specifically, the study indicates that sea levels during this ancient era were around 700 feet (200 meters) higher than they are in the present day.
Key Facts from the Reference
Here are the key details regarding the high sea levels mentioned in the study:
- Time Period: Part of the Cretaceous period (145 to 66 million years ago)
- Estimated Height: Around 700 feet higher than today
- Equivalent Metric Height: Around 200 meters higher than today
- Source: A 2022 study in the journal Gondwana Research
This elevation represents a dramatic difference from current sea levels, indicating a time when much more of the Earth's continental areas would have been submerged under shallow seas.
Comparing Cretaceous and Modern Sea Levels
Below is a simple comparison based on the reference:
| Period | Time Frame (Approx.) | Sea Level Relative to Today | Approximate Height (Feet) | Approximate Height (Meters) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cretaceous | 145 - 66 Million Years Ago | Higher | ~700 | ~200 |
| Today | Present | Baseline | 0 | 0 |
This table highlights the substantial difference in sea level during this specific ancient period as reported by the study.
While the reference focuses on the Cretaceous period, demonstrating a time of very high sea levels, Earth's geological history spans billions of years, and sea levels have fluctuated dramatically due to various geological and climatic factors over eons. The height cited from the 2022 study provides a specific measurement for a notable high-stand period within the timeframe it covers.
