Geological Time Scale

System for dating geological strata.

geologic timescale time scale

The Geological Time Scale (GTS) 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 4.54 billion-year history of Earth.

Pronunciation

/ˌdʒiː.əˈlɒdʒ.ɪkəl taɪm skeɪl/

Etymology

Derived from 'geology' and 'time scale,' it represents a timeline of Earth's history based on geological formations.

Explain Like I’m 5

The Geological Time Scale is like a giant calendar that scientists use to understand how Earth has changed over billions of years, dividing it into big chunks like eras and periods.

Fun Facts

The scale is constantly being updated as new discoveries are made
The Phanerozoic Eon, which includes the last 541 million years, is when most visible life appeared
Radiometric dating techniques are crucial for establishing the timescale's accuracy

FAQ

What is the Geological Time Scale? It's a system for dating geological strata
Who created it? Early versions were developed by geologists like John Phillips and Charles Lyell
What is a geologic era? A large division of time in the geological timescale, such as the Paleozoic or Mesozoic

Synonyms — Similar or Related Terms

time scale

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

chronology Earth science

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

Paleogene Mesozoic Era Paleozoic Era Precambrian eon

Meronyms — Parts or Components

eons eras periods epochs ages

Holonyms — Wholes or Groups

Earth's history

Indexes

biological classification chronological

Built by Tim Jones