Dr. Hovind (G1): The assumption that the geologic column is a base from which to calibrate the C-14 dates is not wise.

G1. With a halflife of only 5730 years, carbon-14 dating has nothing to do with dating the geological ages! Whether by sloppiness or gross ignorance, Dr. Hovind is confusing the carbon-14 "clock" with other radiometric "clocks."

The only thing in the geologic record which has anything to do with calibrating carbon-14 dating is the coal from the Carboniferous Period. Being ancient, the C-14 content has long since decayed away and that makes it useful in "zeroing" laboratory instruments. It's just one of the tricks which have been used to make the work a little more precise.

Last updated: Tuesday, 30-Jul-2013 16:21:05 CDT