how old is the earth?

Answer 1

It's based on several things:

1) dating meteorites. When we find a meteorite from this solar system that has a similar composition to earth, you get many young ages, but the oldest and most common date to 4.6 Ga (billion years).

2) isotope trends. When you look at certain radiogenic isotope ratios that change with time, like Rb/Sr or U/Pb, you find that many rocks with differnt ratios of many ages form a line, and the line traces back to an origin of 4.6 Ga as well.

The oldest life is 3 1/2 Ga, the oldest rock is about 4 Ga, and the oldest date ever found is on the highly durable mineral Zircon from Australia, it's date is 4.2 Ga. So, there is no direct method, it is based on inferences. However, many different inferences lead to the same number 4.559 Ga (to be specific).

You would have to throw out everything we know and love about Geology to accept a young earth view. When you look at the Grand Canyon, how can you say that only took 6000 years to form?

Answer 2

in earth time, probably a few hundred million years. This is all in relation to the sun and our galaxy. Science teaches us that.
Here is an excerpt of one of those studies..

"Radiometric dating methods provide a reliable means of determining the ages of critical points in geologic and planetary history, including the age of the Earth, the Moon, and meteorites. That the age of the Earth is billions of years is virtually beyond question because it is supported by a wide variety of independently determined scientific evidence which indicates that the Earth is 4.5 to 4.6 billion years old. Scientists are continually refining this age, but it is highly unlikely that it will change in the future by more than a few percent. In the past, the age of the Earth was the subject of much dispute, but the past few decades have seen the development of new techniques not previously available. There is virtually no dispute among knowledgeable scientists about the antiquity of the Earth and her sister planets."

Answer 3

It depends on who you ask. Religious people have a date and scientists have another. And even different religions clash on how old they think it is. They have tried to go to the center but have only made is 9 miles into the Earth as then it gets so hot they need special gadgets and gear and they havent been in vented yet. The billions is correct in my opinion though.

Answer 4

EXTREMELY OLD!!! About 5 Billion Years Old.

Answer 5

It is 4.6 billion years old today actually. We are having a birthday party at my place. All invited..

Answer 6

Well, scientifically it's estimated to be about 4.567 billion years. The universe is estimated to be around 13.7 billion years old.

Answer 7

4.6 billion years old.Of course some religious groups insist that it's only 6,000 years old even though there is no evidence for this.

Answer 8

Around 4.5 billion years.

Answer 9

4.5 billion years old

Answer 10

are u seriusly asking this question? how old is the earth think about it omg...............