Definitions for "Geologic time scale"
a relative time scale based upon fossil content. Geological time is divided into eons, eras, periods, and epochs Artist+s rendition of GOES I/M, geostationary satellites whose mission includes data collection and broadcasting, and environmental sensing. (Image: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center)
The time scale determined by the geologic column and by radiometric dating of rocks.
A time scale in which the earth and its atmosphere are dated. It is broken into two division; Relative Time: Determines the age relative to other surrounding objects; Absolute Time: Obtained with radiometric dating of the object. [Holmes, A, 1937. The Age of the Earth. (New Edition Revised). Nelson: London, p.1-263.] [Harland, W.B.; Armstrong, R.L.; Cox, A.V.; Craig, L.E.; Smith, A.G.; and Smith, D.G.; 1990: A geologic Time Scale, 1989 Edition. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge, p1-50.