Atlantic Period A period in postglacial times (i.e. post-Devensian or Flandrian) from about 7500 years BP to 5000 years BP which, according to pollen evidence (see POLLEN ZONE), was warmer than the present, and moist, with oceanic climatic conditions prevailing throughout north-western Europe. It corresponds to Pollen Zone VIIa, which throughout north-western Europe is characterized by the most thermophilous species found in post-glacial pollen records. The climatic optimum of the post-glacial, or current Flandrian interglacial, is dated to the early Atlantic period. Compare BOREAL PERIOD.

Atlantic Period A period in post-glacial times (i.e. post-Devensian or Flandrian) from about 7500 years bp to 5000 years bp which, according to pollen evidence (see pollen zone), was warmer than the present, and moist, with oceanic climatic conditions prevailing throughout north-western Europe. It corresponds to Pollen Zone VIIa, which throughout north-western Europe is characterized by the most thermophilous species found in post-glacial pollen records. The climatic optimum of the post-glacial, or current Flandrian interglacial, is dated to the early Atlantic period. Compare Boreal Period.