Author Question: Briefly explain the importance of the geologic time scale. What will be an ideal ... (Read 41 times)

AEWBW · **on:** Jul 15, 2018

Briefly explain the importance of the geologic time scale. What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Briefly explain how geologists can formulate theories about events that occurred on Earth before
humans were here to make observations. What will be an ideal response?

tkempin · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 15, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The geologic time scale is the result of work by many geologists worldwide who used fossils, the rock
record, and radiometric dating techniques to determine a chronology for the evolution of Earth and its
life through time.

Answer to Question 2

Geologists base their theories on two assumptions. First, that rocks record the processes that were
involved in formation of those rocks. Second, that uniformitarianism is true, and the present is the key
to the past. This means that basic physical, chemical, and biological processes have not changed, and
that if we study and understand them today, we can apply what we learn to conditions in the past.