Exam 9: Geologic Time: Concepts and Principles

Does the principle of uniformitarianism exclude the effects of catastrophic events as important agents of formation and change in Earth history? Explain.

The geologic time scale describes rock type and ages for rocks around the world.

Marine fossils are easily identified, geographically extensive, and existed over a short interval of geologic time.

Why are tree-rings useful for dating recent events?

James Hutton developed the geologic time scale.

What is the maximum age limit for radiocarbon dating of fossils?

What is a nonconformity?

Why does the principle of uniformitarianism lead to the conclusion that Earth's age is great? What are some of the critical assumptions on which it is based?

Which of the following rock types would typically produce the most accurate radiometric date?

Which of the following was not among the early scientific attempts to determine Earth's age?

Why is the principle of fossil succession considered important in geology?

What is beta decay?

The most accurate radiometric dates are obtained from (igneous, sedimentary, ___________metamorphic)rocks. Only in very unusual circumstances can (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic) ___________ rocks be radiometrically dated.

Assemblage zones are used in fossil correlation because

Relative time involves the sequencing of geologic events on the basis of the theory of relativity.

Accurate radiometric dates are possible from any rock type that includes radioactive elements.

Radiometric dating is the most common means of assigning absolute ages to rocks.

What is the age of Earth which was calculated using biblical scriptures?

What is alpha decay?

Time is conceived of and measured in several different manners depending upon culture, knowledge, application and purpose. What is meant by the term "deep time"as it is used by geologists and astronomers?