Rapid-decay theory
The rapid-decay theory, advocated by some practioners of creation science, is used to attempt to date the earth to up to 10,000 years old.
It is based on the assumption that Earth was created with all of the molecules' spins aligned creating a substantial magnetic field. This magnetic field set up a current in Earth's core.
Since measurements were first made in 1829 Earth's magnetic field has decayed, and it is argued that this is caused by those atoms de-aligning over time. By extrapolating backwards, advocates maintain that Earth is much younger than currently accepted by the scientific community.
There is no support for this idea amongst mainstream scientists, who argue that it contradicts scientific evidence and well established theories. The Earth magnetic field has varied in intensity and reversed in polarity numerous times in the earth's history and this theory is based on measurements over too short a time frame.
References
- "The Earth: Is It Young or Is It Old?", Dr. Jay L. Wile
- "Evidence For The Young-Earth Theory", Examine the Evidence
See also
- Age of the Earth
- Young Earth creationism