Geological time

Getting Started

Time can be difficult to fathom. Throughout this course you will learn about geologic processes that took place over several thousand years or geologic features that formed over several million years. The purpose of this assignment is to help you put geologic time into perspective.

Using the web link below will help put the timeline of geologic events into context. The first figure depicts a timeline of key events in geologic history. For example, the birth of the Sun occurred about 5 billion years ago and Galileo built his first telescope in 1609.

The second figure depicts the entire history of the world, compressed into one year. The Big Bang is shown on January 1. The first second of New Year’s Day is considered today. The individual tables provide additional details regarding the events that occurred prior to December, during December, and on December 31. Because the calendar has compressed all of geologic history into one year, the events on December 31 are considered to be the most recent events in geologic history.

Upon successful completion of this assignment, you will be able to:

· Describe geologic time in context.

· Explain why it is important to have an understanding of geologic time.

Resources

· Textbook: Physical Geology, Chapter 8

· Website: The Cosmic Timeline

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.

2. Read Chapter 8 in your Physical Geology textbook.

3. Review The Cosmic Timeline  website.

4. Answer the following questions.

a. What is the name of the Astronomer who explained the history of the universe in one year?

b. Based on the Cosmic Calendar, in what month did the sun and planets form?

c. Based on the Cosmic Calendar, in what month was the oldest known life?

d. Based on the Cosmic Calendar, on what date did the first four-limbed animals appear?

e. Based on the Cosmic Calendar, what event occurred on Christmas Eve?

f. According to the Pre-December table, what day of the year is associated with the formation of Earth?

g. According to the December calendar, on what date did the first humans appear?

h. According to the December 31 calendar, when was the alphabet invented?

i. According to the December 31 calendar, when did the emergence of the scientific method in science occur?

j. According to The Cosmic Timeline web link, an average human life of 70-80 years is equivalent to how many cosmic seconds?

5. In 2-3 sentences, describe why it is important that we have an understanding of geologic time.

6. Questions 4 a-j will be graded on the accuracy of your response (1 point each).

7. Question 5 will be assessed based on the following:

a. thorough and accurate application of course content (5 points)

b. analysis of content and application of critical thinking skills (3 points)

c. written communication that is effective and well-organized (2 points)

8. Submit your assignment by the end of the workshop.