Liesegang Rings in Buntsandstein of Albarracin, Spain

Liesegang rings are a geologic phenomenon found in certain types of permeable rock, like sandstone, that form concentric bands or patterns of color. These "rings" are not formed from a single event but are the result of a slow, multi-stage chemical process called diagenesis, which occurs after the initial rock formation. They are essentially secondary sedimentary structures. In the case of the Buntsandstein of Albarracin, the vibrant red, yellow, and brown patterns are caused by the precipitation of iron oxides and hydroxides.

Here’s the breakdown:

1. Rainwater or groundwater containing dissolved minerals, such as iron, seeps into the porous sandstone.

2. As the water diffuses through the rock, it encounters a precipitating agent already present in the rock.

3. When the concentration of the dissolved minerals reaches a critical level, it causes a sharp, localized chemical reaction, precipitating a band of insoluble iron compounds.

4. This precipitation depletes the surrounding area of the dissolved mineral, causing a "zone of inhibition" where no further precipitation can occur.

5. The process then repeats itself as more water diffuses further into the rock, leading to the formation of a new band.

The regular, geometric spacing of the bands is a key characteristic, and the process is known to be incredibly slow. The formation of Liesegang rings in geological settings is estimated to take thousands, if not millions, of years.

Why a Global Flood Cannot Cause this Formation 

A global flood, as described in Genesis 7 and promoted by Young Earth Creationism (YEC) flood geology, is a catastrophic event that would have deposited all geological strata rapidly. This model cannot account for the formation of Liesegang rings for several reasons:

1. Rate of Formation: The chemical diffusion and precipitation process that creates Liesegang rings is extremely slow, requiring stable, non-turbulent conditions over vast timescales. A violent, year-long global flood would involve immense turbulence and rapid sediment deposition, preventing the precise, slow-motion chemical reactions required for these rings to form.

2. Order of Events: Liesegang rings are secondary structures, forming long after the sand has lithified into sandstone. A flood would deposit loose sand, but there wouldn't be sufficient time for the sand to turn into solid rock and then for the slow diffusion of mineral-rich water to create these patterns.

3. Water Saturation: The "springs of the great deep" in Genesis 7:11 are interpreted by some YECs as a source of cataclysmic water. However, the presence of these "rings" is evidence of water seeping through porous, pre-existing rock, not a massive, singular inundation.

The use of "springs below" from Genesis 7 to explain pseudoscientific geology is an example of eisegesis, which is the interpretation of a text by reading into it one's own ideas. It twists the biblical text to fit a pre-conceived scientific model, rather than allowing the text to speak for itself.

Old Earth Creationism and Long Genesis Days 

Old Earth Creationists (OECs) believe that the "days" of Genesis 1 were not literal 24-hour periods but rather long epochs or ages, thus accommodating the long ages of geologic time needed for formations like Liesegang rings. The Hebrew word for "day," yom, can be used to mean a long period of indeterminate length. This interpretation allows OECs to accept the scientific consensus on the age of the Earth and the universe while maintaining a literal reading of the Genesis creation account.

The use of "yom" in Genesis 2:4 demonstrates its flexible nature beyond a strict 24-hour period: "In the day (YOM) that the Lord God made earth and heavens." Here, "yom" ("day") encompasses the entirety of the creation week, a period spanning multiple "days". This specific application of "yom" highlights God's creative work as a singular, unified event. It emphasizes the grand sweep of creation, focusing on the divine act rather than a chronological breakdown of 24-hour segments. This linguistic flexibility within the same biblical text suggests that "yom" can denote an indeterminate period or an epoch, depending on the contextual intent. This nuance is crucial for understanding the diverse ways time is portrayed in biblical narrative.

Job 14:18 and Uniformitarianism: 

This phrase directly connects to the biblical passage Job 14:18-19, which states: "But the mountain falls and crumbles away, and the rock is removed from its place; the waters wear away the stones; the torrents wash away the soil of the earth.."

This passage discusses the scientific principle of uniformitarianism, by describing geological processes of erosion and change occurring over time. Job observes that even seemingly permanent natural features like mountains and rocks are subject to gradual wearing down by water and other forces. This observation of ongoing natural processes shaping the landscape aligns with the idea behind uniformitarianism – that present-day processes can explain past geological changes. The connection is a conceptual parallel regarding the continuous nature of change and a direct theological or scientific statement on uniformitarianism.

OEC and God's Glory 

Old Earth Creationism relates to God's glory by celebrating the immense scale and complexity of His creation. The vastness of time and space, revealed through scientific discovery, is seen as a testament to God's power, wisdom, and patience. Instead of a quick, instantaneous act, God's work is viewed as a meticulously crafted and unfolding process over billions of years, revealing an even more glorious and awe-inspiring Creator.