Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Nov 1974
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1974rpph...37.1433f&link_type=abstract
Reports on Progress in Physics, vol. 37, no. 11, 1974, p. 1433-1496. Research supported by the Natural Environment Research Cou
Mathematics
Logic
3
Geochronology, Minerals, Radioactive Age Determination, Rocks, Time Measurement, Age Factor, Estimating, Geological Surveys, Half Life, Physical Properties, Radioactive Decay, Tables (Data)
Scientific paper
Precise physical measurements from which the ages of specific rocks and minerals can be estimated only became possible with the discovery of radioactive decay. The first estimates based upon physical measurements were undertaken in 1907. Great advances have been made in the last 15 years and the present state of geochronometry is summarized in this paper. There is a brief discussion of the assumptions, accuracy, precision and 'geological' errors inherent in physical geochronometry. The five major physical methods of rock and mineral age determination currently in use are described. The evidence from which an estimate of 4.6 billion years for the age of the earth has been derived is reviewed and the history of the earth is divided into a number of 'major cycles'. Correlation of PreCambrian rocks and the PreCambrian time scale is almost entirely dependent upon physical age measurements. Our knowledge of the geochronology of the last 600 million years of the earth's history is based upon a careful combination of the evidence from biostratigraphy and physical geochronometry.
Fitch F. J.
Forster S. C.
Miller Aaron J.
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