Question

which statements describe how geologists study earth’s history? select three answers. they assume that the earth is several millions of years old and has remained static since then. they assume that the earth formed as an aggregate of several moons that collided. they assume that the earth is billions of years old and has changed over time. they assume that geologic processes observed in the present were present in the past. they use data from rocks found in the layers of the earth.

Explanation:

• Geologists use the principle of uniformitarianism, which holds that present geologic processes acted in the past.
• Scientific evidence confirms Earth is ~4.5 billion years old and has changed over time.
• Rock layers (stratigraphy) provide critical data about Earth's history.
• The other two statements are incorrect: Earth is billions (not millions) of years old and dynamic, and it did not form from colliding moons.

Answer:

C. They assume that the Earth is billions of years old and has changed over time.
D. They assume that geologic processes observed in the present were present in the past.
E. They use data from rocks found in the layers of the Earth.