第二章 地质构造 工程地质双语备课笔记.docVIP

Chapter Two Geological Structure §2-1 geological time and Chronological scale 一、Geological Time Geological time is a method of ordering and measuring past events. The ordering of events uses a group of observational methods known as: absolute dating methods and relative dating methodsd 1 Absolute Dating methods Absolute dating methods are those that generate an age in years. There are two principal methods: one is the method which rely on event in the geological record with very strong annual cyclicity(周期性), such as tree growth rings ,coral growth cycles varves (annual clay sediment layers). Another Methods is more commonly used now days which rely on the decay of naturally occurring radiogenic isotopes: Radiometric dating is not without difficulties but is by far the most widespread method applied to determine absolute ages between 100 and 4500 My. The same decay process is responsible for the temperature gradient within the Earth (geothermal gradient). Uranium(铀), Thorium（钍） and Potassium （钾）are by far the most common radiogenic isotopes in the Earths crust. Radiocarbon is important in dating organic remains from the relatively recent past. 2 Relative dating methods Relative dating methods use geological principles to place events in chronological order, which include strata superposition method, fossil succession method, the method of rock layers contact relation. (1) The principle of superposition states that older beds are covered by younger beds. In other word, the youngest unit is usually at the top in a sedimentary sequence. (2) The principle of fossil succession states that organisms evolve through time so that particular forms can be used as age markers wherever they are found. (3) The method of rock layers contact relation states that the contact relations among rock layers is the history records of crust movement, magma activities. So geological events can be ordered by the relation of rock layers , these includes the relations a