Geologic Time

Front

What is the law of superposition in geology?

Back

The law of superposition states that in undisturbed sedimentary rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest layers are at the top.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

Why might fish fossils be found in a desert?

Back

Fish fossils may be found in a desert because millions of years ago, the area was once a lake where fish lived, and over time, geological changes transformed the lake into a desert.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What do trilobite fossils indicate about Earth's history?

Back

Trilobite fossils found in various locations indicate that Earth has undergone significant natural changes, including shifts in environments from marine to terrestrial.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

What constitutes a fossil?

Back

A fossil is the remains or traces of an organism that have been preserved by geological processes.

Front

How does radioactive dating work?

Back

Radioactive dating measures the rate of decay of radioactive materials in rocks to determine their age by comparing the amount of radioactive material with its decay products.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-6

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Front

What is the significance of comparing the ages of rocks in geological studies?

Back

Comparing the ages of rocks helps geologists understand the timeline of geological events and the formation of landforms like canyons.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What are sedimentary rocks, and how are they formed?

Back

Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles, often in layers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Front

What role do fossils play in understanding past environments?

Back

Fossils provide evidence of past life forms and their environments, helping scientists reconstruct historical ecosystems and climate conditions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

What is the difference between relative dating and absolute dating in geology?

Back

Relative dating determines the sequence of events without providing specific ages, while absolute dating gives a numerical age based on radioactive decay.

Front

How can the presence of marine fossils in a location indicate past geological conditions?

Back

The presence of marine fossils in a location suggests that the area was once underwater, indicating significant geological changes over time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1