Dr. G. Kent Colbath
How old is planet earth? Has it changed substantially over time, or was the earth created in its present form? How can we read the record of the rocks to answer these questions?
This unit covers the basic scientific evidence that indicates that the earth is very old (but not infinite in age) and that dramatic changes have affected the planet over geologic time. Each of the links below will take you to lecture notes covering the major topics in earth history.
Read the chapter on Earth History in your textbook before reviewing these notes, and try to complete Laboratory Exercise 12 when you finish.