The Carnian Pluvial Episode (CPE) refers to a significant climatic event that occurred during the late Carnian age of the Triassic period, approximately 234 to 232 million years ago.
This episode is marked by a period of increased precipitation and humidity across many parts of the world, particularly affecting terrestrial ecosystems.
The increased rainfall and humidity associated with the CPE led to the expansion of forests and the development of lush, tropical vegetation in areas that were previously arid or semi-arid.
This climatic shift had significant impacts on biodiversity. It coincided with a period of diversification among several groups of organisms, including dinosaurs, early mammals, and plants.
The increased moisture and vegetation likely provided new ecological niches and resources that supported evolutionary radiations.