Sedimentary Structure Shows a Young Earth | The Institute for Creation Research

Sedimentary Structure Shows a Young Earth

Sedimentary rock, which makes up most of the surface cover of the continents, is by definition deposited by moving fluids. Normally, the sediments contain evidence of their waterborne history in what is called sedimentary structure. These features may be in the form of cross bedding, paleo-current markers, graded bedding, laminations, ripple marks, etc. If the hardening conditions are met (presence of a cementing agent and pressure to drive water from the matrix), the sediments soon harden into sedimentary rock, making the "structure" somewhat permanent, although erosion will eventually destroy even hard rock features.

Rocks abound with such markings, virtually frozen in place in the solid rock. Today when we drive through a road cut, we can observe these reminders of past sedimentary processes and discern many things about the moving fluids, including their direction, velocity, chemistry, etc.

Geologists have traditionally surmised that the deposits are typically the results of the calm and gradual, uniformitarian processes currently in operation. Conversely, more recent geologic models recognize that processes of the past acted at rates, scales, and intensities far exceeding those of today. They were the same basic processes, but were acting at catastrophic levels, accomplishing much depositional work in a short time. Continuing catastrophic action would quickly deposit a second layer, and then more. The question remains: How long ago did this rapid depositional sequence of events take place?

While the muddy sediments are still fresh and soft, the ephemeral sedimentary structure within the deposits is in jeopardy of being obliterated by the action of plant and animal life. We know that life proliferates in every near-surface layer of soft sediment. This is true on land and especially true underwater. Plant roots penetrate through the soil. Animals such as worms, moles, clams, etc., burrow through the sediment, chewing up and turning it over in search of food or shelter through a process called bioturbation. This obviously destroys the sedimentary structure. But how long does it take? A recent study undertook to determine just how much time was required to destroy all remnants of water action.1

Numerous recent storm deposits, dominated by sedimentary structure, were investigated in a natural setting. It was observed that within months, all sedimentary structure was destroyed, so intense is the bioturbation in soft sediments. As long as the sediments are still soft, they will be bioturbated and the structure lost. Yet the geologic record abounds with such sedimentary structure. This comprises a good geologic age indicator, and in fact points to a young earth. Consider the total picture.

Virtually all sediments required only a short time to accumulate in various high energy events. Hardening of sediments into sedimentary rock itself normally takes little time, if the conditions are met. Soft at the start, the sediment's internal character would necessarily be subjected to the rapid, destructive action of plant and animal life. Within a relatively short time (months or years), all sedimentary structure would disappear through their action. The surface of each layer would be exposed to bioturbation until the next layer covered it and until hardening was complete. Sedimentary structure is fragile and short-lived, yet such features abound in nearly every sedimentary rock layer.

Each layer was laid down in a short period of time. The deposit could not have been exposed for long before the next deposit covered it, isolating it from destructive bioturbation. Thus the length of time between the layers could not have been great. The total time involved for the entire sequence must have been short.

Of course, Scripture specifies that the time elapsed for all of creation and earth history has not been very long. Geology confirms it.

Reference

  1. Gingras, M. K. et al. 2008. How fast do marine invertebrates burrow? Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology. 270 (3-4): 280-286.

* Dr. Morris is President of the Institute for Creation Research.

Cite this article: Morris, J. 2009. Sedimentary Structure Shows a Young Earth. Acts & Facts. 38 (7): 15.

The Latest
NEWS
April 2025 ICR Wallpaper
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things...

NEWS
Human Evolution and the Inner Ear
The vain attempt by evolutionists to make an evolutionary connection between people and ape-like ancestors continues. This time, it is in regard to...

CREATION PODCAST
Defending the Faith with a Rocket Scientist | Creation.Live Podcast:...
How do engineering principles, biological complexity, and a solid understanding of apologetics work together to further the cause of Christ? Why...

NEWS
Aerobic and Anaerobic Hot Spring Bacteria
God designed a domain of prokaryotes called Archaea that thrive in harsh and extreme environments. In 1969, two microbiologists, Thomas Brock and Hudson...

CREATION PODCAST
The Soulless Hominid Theory: A Fatal Flaw in Old Earth Creationism...
Welcome to the second episode in a series called “The Failures of Old Earth Creationism.” Many Christians attempt to fit...

NEWS
Humpback Whale Calls Echo Creation
There is nothing simple about the system of communication called language, whether animal or human.1 Human language is a very sophisticated...

NEWS
Mary Parker, Creation Ministry Partner of Dr. Gary Parker, Is...
Mary Parker, the wife and co-laborer of Dr. Gary Parker, went home to be with her Lord on March 20, 2025. Dr. Parker was a popular and effective...

NEWS
Plants Rely on Quantum Mechanics
Scientists will probably never fully understand photosynthesis as additional research uncovers even more fascinating mysteries.1,2 ICR’s...

NEWS
Martian Polar Ice Cap ''Surprisingly Young''?
A team of German planetary scientists has concluded that a three-kilometer-thick northern polar ice cap on Mars has a “surprisingly young”...

NEWS
''Blood Worm Moon'' Total Lunar Eclipse 2025
Barring cloud cover, about 75% of the country saw the total lunar eclipse, aka the “Blood Worm Moon.” Texas had good weather conditions...