Exploring the Geological Time Scale

The Geological Time Scale Explained

The geological time scale is a system used by scientists to organize Earth's history. It divides the planet’s past into different periods, each characterized by unique geological and biological events. This time scale spans billions of years, from the formation of Earth to the present day, and is divided into eons, eras, periods, epochs, and ages.

Using fossils and rock layers, geologists have been able to piece together Earth’s history, tracing the evolution of life forms and significant changes in the planet’s surface. The geological time scale helps us understand how the Earth has evolved over time and the forces that shaped it, including volcanic activity, continental drift, and climate change.

Did You Know?

• The Precambrian time, which covers over 80% of Earth's history, is the longest and oldest eon.
• The Mesozoic era, known as the age of dinosaurs, lasted from about 252 to 66 million years ago.
• The Holocene epoch, which began around 11,700 years ago, is the current period in Earth’s history.
• Fossils found in rock layers help scientists determine the age of the Earth and the creatures that once lived here.