i'm confused
2007-06-01 14:16:32 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Ultimately we use the year but we have divided the geologic time scale. "The largest defined unit of time is the Eon. Eons are divided into Eras, which are in turn divided into Periods, Epochs and Stages" (WIKI). These unit were developed so it would be easier to talk about long periods of time (like a million years or so) that were similar in geologic events. Also, it is simpler because as good as radiometric dating is it still has margin of error so its safer and easier to say something happened or lived or died in late in Era "A" than to try to give it an exact number.
2007-06-01 14:23:41 · answer #1 · answered by Lady Geologist 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The geologic timeline uses large amounts of time to describe the changes that the earth has undergone. The largest of the units is an eon/aeon. Eons/aeons can be subdivided into eras. Eras are subdivided into epochs and/or periods. These are the basic units on a geologic timeline.
Just a piece of trivial information: We are now in the Cenozoic Era.
2007-06-01 14:41:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Eons because of the vast amount of time involved.
2007-06-05 03:47:54 · answer #3 · answered by johnandeileen2000 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋