Geologic time scale

Geologic Time Scale

The Geologic Time Scale (pronunciation: jee-uh-loj-ik tahym skeyl) is a system of chronological dating that relates geological strata 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.

Etymology

The term "Geologic Time Scale" originates from the science of geology, with "geo" meaning earth and "logos" meaning study. The "time scale" part of the term refers to a system or series for measuring or sequencing events.

Related Terms

• Stratigraphy: The branch of geology concerned with the order and relative position of strata and their relationship to the geologic time scale.
• Paleontology: The scientific study of life that existed prior to, and sometimes including, the start of the Holocene Epoch. It includes the study of fossils to determine organisms' evolution and interactions with each other and their environments.
• Chronostratigraphy: A branch of stratigraphy that studies the age of rock strata in relation to time.
• Eon: The largest division of the geologic time scale, next above era.
• Era: A division of geologic time scale that is a subdivision of an eon and is itself subdivided into periods.
• Period: A division of geologic time during which a standard geologic system is formed. It's subdivided into epochs.
• Epoch: A division of the geologic time scale that is a subdivision of a period and is itself subdivided into ages.

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