Week 9: Timeline

1. What did you do in lab today?

In lab, we made a timeline so that we could see where different geological events are in relation to one another. In my group, we found that the dinosaurs went extinct 70 million years ago. We also found that the Chicxulub was 65.5 million years ago. We learned that our existence is a very small point on the timeline. Most events that we found were all in a very small area at the end of the timeline. We learned about how scientists have found that the earth has frozen solid three times and maybe even six. It thaws because there are active volcanos underneath the ice. When the volcano erupts, it gives out carbon dioxide that goes into the atmosphere and warms the earth. From this, the ice is melted. 

2. What was the big question? 

What is geologic time and how does it work?

3. What did you learn in Thursday's discussion?

In Lecture we took the Space Exam. 

Pressbook Chapter

1. What did you learn?

I learned that the Earth has been iced over many times and this process is known as a Snowball Earth. The ice on the surface of the Earth does not melt from the sun because of its high albedo or reflection of the light. Because of this, the ice continues to cool the Earth more and more. 

2. What was most helpful?

The images and charts were helpful to see how the cycles occur. The images of the continents helped me to see how they all fit in together and how they are now separated. 

3. What do you need more information on?

I would like more information on plate tectonics. Why do they cause the continents to move and what causes the plate tectonics to shift?

What questions, concerns, and/or comments do you have?

I do not understand why Earth's geologic time is represented like a clock. The time continues to move, so wouldn't a timeline make more sense?