Editing Deep time (section)

{{Short description|Time scales on the billions of years}}
{{Other uses}}

'''Deep time''' is the concept of [[Geologic time scale|geological time]] that spans billions of years, far beyond the scale of human experience. It provides the temporal framework for understanding the [[Formation of Earth|formation]] and [[Geological history of Earth|evolution of Earth]], the [[Abiogenesis|development of life]], and the slow-moving processes that shape planetary change. First developed as a scientific idea in the 18th century and popularized in the 20th century by writers such as [[John McPhee]],{{sfn|McPhee|1998|p=77}} the concept of deep time has influenced fields ranging from [[geology]] and [[evolutionary biology]] to [[climate science]], philosophy, education, and [[environmental ethics]]. Today, deep time is increasingly used in [[science communication]] and public engagement, offering a powerful lens for understanding human impact during the [[Anthropocene]].