Relative Dating Stratification Assignment

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What is the Law of Superposition?

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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.

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What is an unconformity in geology?

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An unconformity is a surface that represents a gap in the geological record, where rock layers have been eroded or where sediment was not deposited for a period of time.

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What are the three types of unconformities?

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The three types of unconformities are: 1. Nonconformity - sedimentary rocks overlie igneous or metamorphic rocks. 2. Disconformity - layers of sedimentary rock are separated by an erosion surface. 3. Angular unconformity - tilted or folded layers are overlain by younger, more horizontal layers.

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What is relative dating?

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Relative dating is a method used to determine the age of rocks and fossils in relation to one another, without determining their exact age.

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What is the significance of intrusion in relative dating?

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An intrusion is younger than the rocks it cuts through, providing a way to determine the relative ages of surrounding rock layers.

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What does the term 'stratification' refer to?

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Stratification refers to the layering that occurs in sedimentary rocks, which can provide information about the geological history of an area.

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How can fossils be used in relative dating?

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Fossils can be used in relative dating by identifying the age of the rock layers in which they are found, as certain fossils are characteristic of specific geological periods.

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What is the principle of original horizontality?

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The principle of original horizontality states that layers of sediment are originally deposited horizontally under the action of gravity.

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What is an intrusion?

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An intrusion is a body of igneous rock that forms when magma cools and solidifies beneath the Earth's surface.

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What is the difference between absolute dating and relative dating?

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Absolute dating provides a specific age or date for a rock or fossil, while relative dating places rocks and fossils in a sequence without providing an exact age.