PHYS 3510 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Solar System, Geologic Time Scale, Plate Tectonics
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The earth is unique among the worlds in the inner solar system in that it has widespread life. Please work in groups of 4 to list and discuss the factors which you think help to make the earth habitable. Be prepared to discuss these factors with the class. A brief history of the earth (the geological timescale) How it is maintained (earth"s built-in thermostat) No appointment necessary just drop in! Our primary means of learning about the history of the earth, and the history of life on earth, is by the study of rocks (especially sedimentary rocks) and fossils embedded in them. Image is from the mars curiosity rover, which is currently exploring gale crater. Note: you will be expected to remember the eons and eras shown here. It must be older than the oldest minerals found on. It must be older than the oldest moon rocks (4. 4 gyr old) We know that the moon formed after the earth.
