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Chapter 1: Problem 6

What facts might a scientist use in estimating Earth's age?

Short Answer

Expert verified
In estimating Earth's age, a scientist might use facts from geological factors, fossil records, and radiometric age dating of rocks and minerals.

Step by step solution

01

Geological Factors

One key fact scientists use to estimate the Earth's age is geological evidence. This involves the study of rock layers or strata. The oldest rock formations and the sediments deposited on the Earth's surface can provide significant clues about Earth's age.
02

Fossil Records

Fossil records are also a critical measure of how old the Earth. Scientists look at the age of the oldest known fossils and the age of the rocks in which they are found to draw conclusions about Earth's history. Method like index fossil correlation and biostratigraphy are often used for dating formations and determining the age of Earth.
03

Radiometric Age Dating

Radiometric age dating of rocks and minerals provides the most reliable estimate of the Earth's age. This method measures the abundance ratio of a radioactive isotope to its decay products. Isotopes with long half-lives such as Uranium-235 or Uranium-238 are commonly used in this method. For example, by dating the oldest rocks on Earth found in Western Greenland and the oldest minerals (Zircon crystals) found in Western Australia, scientists were able to estimate the Earth to be about 4.54 billion years old.

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