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fossils contained within the rock.

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12y ago
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4mo ago

Geologists determined the division of the geologic time scale through the study of rock layers and the fossils contained within them. By examining the different types of fossils and their distribution in the rock record, geologists were able to identify distinct time periods based on changes in the Earth's environment and the evolution of life forms. This process of relative dating helped establish the framework for the geologic time scale.

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15y ago

They are generally based on the dominant life forms, climate, and extinction events.

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11y ago

The answer before this was smart alec and stupid so I'm just typing this instead so you know not to look at this.

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13y ago

Geologists decide when one division of the geologic time scale ends by a mass extinction.

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8y ago

They use the geologic column.

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Q: How did geologists determine the division of the geologic time scale?
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What information did geologists use to develop the geologic time scale?

Geologists used a combination of fossil evidence, rock layers, and radiometric dating techniques to develop the geologic time scale. Fossils provide a record of past life forms, while rock layers indicate the relative ages of different geological events. Radiometric dating allows for assigning numerical ages to specific rock formations.


What is the purpose of the geologic time scale?

The geologic time scale is a system used to categorize and compare the Earth's history. It helps scientists understand the sequence of events that have shaped our planet over billions of years by dividing time into distinct units based on significant geological or biological events. It provides a framework for organizing Earth's history and helps geologists correlate rock layers and fossils globally.


Why did geologists develop the geologic time scale?

The geological time scale is the geologic history of the planet from formation to the present. It starts with large divisions of time called eons and is subdivided into successively smaller units of time based on dominant lifeforms, extinction events, even climate. The development of the geologic time scale was initially based on the observation and reasoning that deeper layers of rock are generally older than less deep layers in what is called the "Law of Superposition".Paleontologists look for index fossils in fossil bearing sedimentary rock. Index fossils are organisms that were widespread, rapidly evolving, and only existed for a short period of time as evidenced by their appearance in the fossil record of specific rock strata. The appearance of a fossil alongside an index fossil gives a rough approximation of the age of the fossil in relative terms as it would appear on the geologic time scale. The appearance of the same fossil alongside index fossils of different geologic ages means that the fossil organism spanned multiple geologic time periods. Associations of specific strata alongside radiographically datable igneous and metamorphic rock determines the absolute age of a fossil.A period of around 4,600,000,000 years, the largest groupings of geologic time are eons, followed in descending order by era, period, epoch, and age.The geologic time scale is very important, especially in fields involving the exploration and retrieval of fossil fuels, which are geologically date range specific.


What is called the record of life forms and geologic events in earth's history?

the record of life forms and geologic events in earth's history is actually called the "Geologic time scale" fine sir. good day


What do periods on the geologic time scale represent?

Periods on the geologic time scale represent units of time that divide eras into smaller segments. They typically last tens of millions of years and are defined by distinctive rock layers and characteristics of the Earth's environment. Each period is marked by significant shifts in global climate, the evolution of life forms, and geological events.

Related questions

How did geologists determine the divisions of the geologic time scale?

Mainly abrupt changes in mineral layers or the fossils in them.


How did geologists decide where one division division of the geologic time scale ends and the next?

The answer before this was smart alec and stupid so I'm just typing this instead so you know not to look at this.


How did the geologists decide where the division of the geologic time scale ends and begins?

The answer before this was smart alec and stupid so I'm just typing this instead so you know not to look at this.


Which is the smallest division of time on the geologic scale?

Epoch


How did geologists decide where on division of the geologic time scale ends and the next begins?

The answer before this was smart alec and stupid so I'm just typing this instead so you know not to look at this.


What kind of scientists worked with geologists to develop the geologic time scale?

Paleontologists, stratigraphers, and geochronologists worked with geologists to develop the geologic time scale. Paleontologists study fossilized remains of ancient life forms, stratigraphers study rock layers and their relationships, and geochronologists use various dating techniques to determine the age of rocks and events in Earth's history.


What word represents the broadest division on a geologic time scale?

Eon is the broadest division on the geologic time scale, representing the longest time span. Eons are further divided into eras, which are then subdivided into periods, epochs, and ages.


What division in the geologic time scale is the shortest?

The shortest division in the geologic time scale is an Epoch. Epochs are subdivisions of a period and are typically tens of millions of years long.


What methods did geologists use when they first developed the time scale?

The methods the geologists used when they first developed the geologic time scale. Were studying rock layers and index fossils worldwide. By Patrick


What divides the history Earth into time units that help geologists analyze the rock record?

Geologic Time scale


What kind of scientist work with geologists to develop the geologic time scale?

Biologists, Geochemists, Petrologists, Stratigraphers and Palaeontologists all work to develop the geologic time-scale. Note that Petrology, Stratigraphy and Geochemistry are specialised forms of science that fall under the more general heading of Geology. Palaeontology lies somewhere between Geology and Biology.


What kind of scientists worked with geologist to develop the geologist to develop the geologic time scale?

Paleontologists, stratigraphers, and geochronologists worked with geologists to develop the geologic time scale. Paleontologists studied fossil evidence, stratigraphers looked at the layers of rock formations, and geochronologists used radiometric dating techniques to determine the age of rocks and fossils.