What is the geologic column?

The geologic column is essentially a graphic representation of the earth's crust and the layers of rock that it is composed of. This representation is built upon information gathered from different areas and is used to create a composite image of the Earth. Despite what some may perceive to be circular reasoning, the geologic column is used as evidence to support biologic evolution. At times, the order of the layers in the geologic column is used to confirm this support for evolution. In total, the geologic column consists of ten basic layers. However, it's important to keep in mind that all ten of these layers are not present in many areas — less than 1% of the Earth's surface, in fact. The geologic column is constructed based on three principles of Stratiography. While two of these principles have been invalidated, scientists have yet to test the third. The geologic column spans millions of years, which is in stark contrast to the biblical time scale. As a result of this discrepancy, some individuals find it difficult to believe that a recent creation and world-wide Flood, as is recorded in the Scriptures, could actually have taken place.