Question

I am going to pose a situation to you and I want you to use your knowledge of geologic time and erosion (i.e. unconformities) to formulate a response. The ideal response would be ~5 sentences with scientific data to back up your opinion.

You are having a conversation with a random person and they say to you "I don't believe the Earth is thousands of millions of years old because there should be more sedimentary rock layers if Earth is that old.". As earth scientists, we know that statement isn't true. How would you respond to let this person know that their argument is false and does not make sense? What lines of evidence would you provide to support your statements? Remember, the best scientist is one that can articulate themselves in a respectful, accurate manner.

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

The earth is a dynamic planet and it is constantly changing. Both external and internal processes interacts.

The earth broken down into slabs/plates called lithosphere that moves on the weak asthenosphere, at margins between these plates, new materials are brought up and some are destroyed through tectonic activities. Sedimentary rocks can therefore be destroyed and transformed into other rocks at such margins.

Also, on the earth surface, external processes helps break down rocks. Some of the processes are weathering and erosion. Sedimentary rock strata observed on the earth have shown periods of non-deposition in them.

External processes and tectonic forces on the earth can considerable influence and interrupt sedimentary deposition on the crust.