Erathem

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An erathem is the total stratigraphic record deposited during a certain era in the geologic timescale. It is therefore a chronostratigraphic unit.

Erathems are not often used in practice. When they are they are subdivisions of eonothems and can themselves be subdivided into systems. Erathems have the same names as their corresponding eras. The Phanerozoic eonothem can thus be divided into a Paleozoic, a Mesozoic and a Cenozoic erathem. Similarly, the Proterozoic eonothem can be divided in Neoproterozoic, Mesoproterozoic and Paleoproterozoic erathems.