Episode 157: The Geologic Time Scale

About this episode

This episode surveys Earth's history through the geologic timescale, discussing key events and developments across different eons.

A survey of the Earth's history through the lens of the geologic timescale. We begin with a discussion of the terminology of geochronologic units and how they are specified using 'golden spikes'. We then review the development of Earth's atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere through the Hadean, Archean, Proterozoic, and Phanerozoic eons. We cover many topics including the supercontinent cycle, the great oxidation event, the evolution of eukaryotes, the Cambrian explosion, and mass extinctions. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 156: Fossils and Dating Methods. If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter. https://www.patreon.com/jamesfodor https://www.paypal.me/ScienceofEverything

People in this episode

Host: James Fodor

Topics covered

• geologic time scale
• Earth's history
• geochronology
• atmosphere development
• biosphere evolution
• mass extinctions
• supercontinent cycle

Keywords

• geologic time scale
• Hadean
• Archean
• Proterozoic
• Phanerozoic
• evolution of eukaryotes
• fossils
• dating methods

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Episode 156: Fossils and Dating Methods

More episodes of The Science of Everything Podcast

• Episode 161: Dinosaurs and Other Ancient Reptiles · June 1, 2026 · 1h 33m
• Episode 160: The Evolution of Animals · May 1, 2026 · 1h 23m
• Episode 159: Quantum Electrodynamics Part 2 · April 1, 2026 · 45 min
• Episode 158: Quantum Electodynamics Part 1 · March 1, 2026 · 51 min
• Episode 156: Fossils and Dating Methods · November 30, 2025 · 1h 11m
• Episode 155: Embryology and Development · October 24, 2025 · 1h 10m