What is the Geological Timescale?
Few discussions in geology can occur without reference to geologic time. Geologic time is often dicussed in two forms: • Relative time [chronostratic] — subdivisions of the Earth’s geology in a specific order based upon relative age relationships (most commonly, vertical/stratigraphic position). These subdivisions are given names, most of which can be recognized globally, usually on the basis of fossils. • Absolute time [chronometric] — numerical ages in “millions of years” or some other measurement. These are most commonly obtained via radiometric dating methods performed on appropriate rock types. Think of relative time as physical subdivisions of the rock found in the Earth’s stratigraphy, and absolute time as the measurements taken upon those to determine the actual time which has expired. Absolute time measurements can be used to calibrate the relative time scale, producing an integrated geologic or “geochronologic” time scale. It is important to realize that with new informatio
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