Relative and Absolute Dating

Front

What is the law of Superposition?

Back

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

Front

What is absolute dating?

Back

A method used to determine the exact age of a rock or fossil in years.

Front

What is relative dating?

Back

A method used to determine the age of a rock or fossil in relation to other rocks or fossils.

Front

How does absolute age differ from relative age?

Back

Only absolute dating finds the age in years.

Front

What does radiometric dating measure?

Back

It measures absolute time (dating) using radioactive decay.

Front

What is an example of relative age?

Back

Saying 'I am older than my sister' is an example of relative age.

Front

What is an index fossil?

Back

A fossil that is used to define and identify a particular time period in the geological time scale.

Front

What is the significance of half-lives in dating?

Back

Half-lives are used to measure the time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay, aiding in absolute dating.

Front

What is the oldest layer in a sequence of rock layers?

Back

The oldest layer is typically found at the bottom according to the law of Superposition.

Front

What is an intrusion in geology?

Back

An intrusion is a body of igneous rock that has formed from magma that has cooled and solidified beneath the Earth's surface.