地质中的时间尺度.pptxVIP

John Grotzinger, Thomas H. Jordan Frank Press and Raymond SieverUnderstanding EarthFifth EditionChapter 8:The Rock Record and theGeologic Time ScaleCopyright ? 2007 by W. H. Freeman CompanyConcepts you will need to know for the examsCHAPTER 8Geologic Time ScaleRelative ageAbsolute agePrinciple of original horizontalityPrinciple of superpositionPrinciple of cross-cutting relationahipsUnconformityAngular unconformityDisconformityHalf-lifeGeologic Time ScaleGeologists differ from other professional scientists in their view of time. Geologists deal with periods of time that go as far back as the origin of the universe.Before we had the ability to read the “atomic clocks” of nature, geologists used the concept of relative ages. We can see changes in the landscape over time.We can see one type of organism replace another type of organism through the fossilized remains of these changes over time.With the advent of atomic/radioactive decay techniques we began to obtain absolute dates.Absolute dates or ages have specific numbers Relative dating has been done in the past through the study of layers of sedimentary rock(aka “the field of stratigraphy”)Principle of Original Horizontalitysediments deposited innearly flat layers. Cross-bedded layers are contained within overall flat beds.If layers are faulted (broken) or folded it means that they were deformed AFTER sediments were deposited.Principle of SuperpositionLowest layers are olderIf this is not so, then the layers have beenoverturned by tectonic activity:There are limitations for using stratigraphyto keep time because, (1) sedimentation rates are variablee.g. Mississippi can deposit 1m of sediment in 1000 yThe deep ocean may deposit 1mm / 1000 yearsWe need to estimate time in another way and be able to recognize when the representation of time via sediments is incomplete.Paleontology is the study of ancient life from fossilized remains.William Smith in the 19th century was an engineer who noted that similar rocks in dif