Quaternary Period
What Quaternary Period means in Geography GCSE, as defined for AQA, OCR, Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Quaternary Period
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Quaternary Period in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
The geological time period from about 2.6 million years ago to the present, characterised by alternating glacial and interglacial episodes.
The most recent geological period, covering the last 2.6 million years, characterised by a series of glacial and interglacial periods.
The most recent geological time period, spanning from about 2.6 million years ago to the present day.
Topics that use Quaternary Period
- Climate change (AQA GCSE)
- Climate change has consequences. (OCR GCSE)
- The global climate was different in the past and continues to change due to natural causes (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
- Milankovitch cycles
- Adaptation
- Afforestation
- Albedo Effect
- Climate change adaptation
- Climate change mitigation
- Deforestation
- Enhanced greenhouse effect
Using Quaternary Period in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Geography questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge