Relative Dating Practice (Unit 2)

Front

What does the principle of cross-cutting relationships state?

Back

A fault is younger than the rock it cuts across.

Front

What is an index fossil?

Back

A fossil known to have lived in a particular geologic age that can be used to date the rock layer in which it is found.

Front

According to the law of superposition, what can be said about sedimentary rock layers?

Back

Each layer is older than the one above it.

Front

What is the significance of index fossils in geology?

Back

They help to date the rock layers and indicate the relative age of the fossils.

Front

Define relative dating in geology.

Back

A method used to determine the age of rocks and fossils in relation to one another.

Front

What is the law of superposition?

Back

In undisturbed sedimentary rock layers, the oldest layer is at the bottom and the youngest is at the top.

Front

What does it mean if a rock layer is described as 'undisturbed'?

Back

It means that the layer has not been altered by geological events such as folding or faulting.

Front

How can fossils be used to determine the relative age of rock layers?

Back

Fossils found in rock layers can indicate the time period in which the organisms lived, helping to date the layers.

Front

What is the difference between relative dating and absolute dating?

Back

Relative dating places events in order without providing a specific age, while absolute dating provides a numerical age.

Front

What is a fault in geological terms?

Back

A fracture in the Earth's crust along which movement has occurred.