 Quaternary

The Quaternary is the current geological period, beginning 2.58 million years ago. It contains the Pleistocene and Holocene epochs. Repeated major glacial cycles make its marine and continental records important for studying climate variability.^[ref]

The term "Quaternary" can refer to different concepts depending on the context: 1. **Geology**: In geological terms, the Quaternary is the most recent geological period of the Cenozoic Era, extending from about 2.58 million years ago to the present.