Geologic time scale

4.6 billions years in earth history

• The geologic time scale is the record of the
life forms and geological events in earth’s
history.
• Scientists develop the time scale by studying
rock layers and fossils world wide.
• Radioactive dating helped determine the
absolute divisions in the time scale.
NICOLAS STENO

• In 1669, Danish scientist Nicolas steno published the

first law of stratigraphy the science of interpreting
the strata or layers of rock in earth outer surface.
• So the farther down you dig, he thought the older
the fossils are that you find there.
GIOBANNI ARDUINO

• Giovanni Arduino (October 16, 1714 – March 21,

1795) was an Italian geologist who is known as the
"Father of Italian Geology".
• The lowest layers of metamorphic and volcanic
rocks, he called the primary layer.
• Above those were hard sendementary rocks which
he called secondary.
• And the top layers of softer alluvial deposits he
named teritiary and quaternary.
WILLIAM SMITH

• William 'Strata' Smith (23 March 1769 – 28 August

1839) was an English geologist, credited with creating
the first nationwide geological map.
• “The father of English geology”
DIVISION OF GEOLOGIC TIME

• Eons – largest unit

• Eras – eons are divided into eras ( Paleozoic, Mesozoic, Cenozoic )

• Periods – eras are divided into periods

• Epochs – periods are divided into periods