The geologic time scale (GTS) is a system of chronological dating that relates

geological strata (stratigraphy) to time. It is used by geologists,

paleontologists, and other Earth scientists to describe the timing and
relationships of events that have occurred during Earth's history. The table of
geologic time spans, presented here, agree with the nomenclature, dates and
standard color codes set forth by the International Commission on Stratigraphy
(ICS).
Contents

1 Terminology
2 Rationale
3 History and nomenclature of the time scale
3.1 Early history
3.2 Establishment of primary principles
3.3 Formulation of geologic time scale
3.4 Naming of geologic periods, eras and epochs
3.5 Dating of time scales
3.6 The Anthropocene
4 Table of geologic time
5 Proposed Precambrian timeline
6 See also
7 Notes
8 References
9 Further reading
10 External links