The Age of the Earth
The earth is about 4.5 billion years old.
Evidence
| Method | Measured Age | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| Meteorite Dating | 4.56 billion years | Carbonaceous chondrite meteorites from the solar system's formation |
| Uranium-Lead Decay | 4.54 billion years | Dating zircon crystals |
| Potassium-Argon Decay | 4.3 billion years | Dating volcanic rock formations |
| Lunar Samples | 4.4 billion years | From the Apollo Missions |
| Ocean Floor | Over 200 million years | Magnetic stripes record Earth's magnetic reversals |
| Ice Cores | Over 800,000 years | Analysis of ice layers and trapped gases |
| Tree Rings | Over 12,000 years | Annual records in tree rings |
Other Data
The laws of stratigraphy and geological layers provide additional evidence:
- Stratigraphy shows clear layering of rock formations
- The Grand Canyon reveals distinct geological periods
- Multiple dating methods confirm similar age ranges
- Fossil records align with geological timescales
- Plate tectonics and continental drift patterns
The Bible
However, the Bible supports a 6,000 year old Earth:
- Genealogies in Genesis provide a chronological timeline
- The Hebrew word "yom" (day) in Genesis 1 suggests literal 24-hour days