Difference between revisions of "Old Earth"
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| − | '''Old Earth''' theories | + | '''Old Earth''' theories propose that the Earth has existed for billions of years. These theories developed in connection with the [[theory of evolution]], which would could not have possibly occurred in the thousands of years that people had previously estimated the age of the Earth to be. |
| − | + | Old Earth theories struggle to explain youthful characteristics of the earth, such as the massive fresh water Great Lakes. Over long periods of time fresh water reservoirs would inevitably dissipate. Theories of [[Ice Age]]s developed as a way to explain fresh water reservoirs. Underground wells provide a similar challenge for Old Earth advocates. | |
| − | + | Flooding is another challenge for Old Earth advocates, as it would wipe out any evolutionary path, particularly among mammals. The likelihood of a massive flood increases with the period of time, and an older Earth means more disruptive flooding. | |
| + | The principle basis for Old Earth is [[radiometric dating]]. But it is a logical tautology to assume that [[radioactive decay]] rates have always been constant, even at higher energy levels. Such assumption is identical to assuming that the Earth is old, and hence that argument is circular. | ||
[[category:creationism]] | [[category:creationism]] | ||
[[category:evolution]] | [[category:evolution]] | ||
[[category:geology]] | [[category:geology]] | ||
Revision as of 13:07, April 24, 2009
Old Earth theories propose that the Earth has existed for billions of years. These theories developed in connection with the theory of evolution, which would could not have possibly occurred in the thousands of years that people had previously estimated the age of the Earth to be.
Old Earth theories struggle to explain youthful characteristics of the earth, such as the massive fresh water Great Lakes. Over long periods of time fresh water reservoirs would inevitably dissipate. Theories of Ice Ages developed as a way to explain fresh water reservoirs. Underground wells provide a similar challenge for Old Earth advocates.
Flooding is another challenge for Old Earth advocates, as it would wipe out any evolutionary path, particularly among mammals. The likelihood of a massive flood increases with the period of time, and an older Earth means more disruptive flooding.
The principle basis for Old Earth is radiometric dating. But it is a logical tautology to assume that radioactive decay rates have always been constant, even at higher energy levels. Such assumption is identical to assuming that the Earth is old, and hence that argument is circular.