Front

What is an Unconformity?

Back

A break in the geologic record that occurs when rock layers are eroded over a long period of time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What does relative dating of rock layers indicate about the depth of the rocks?

Back

The deeper we dig, the older the rocks get.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What is relative dating?

Back

Determining whether an object or event is older or younger than other objects or events.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

The remains or physical evidence of an organism preserved by geologic processes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

What is the Law of Superposition?

Back

In an undeformed sequence of sedimentary rocks, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What is the Law of Crosscutting Relationships?

Back

If a geologic feature cuts through another, the feature that has been cut is older.

Front

What is the Geologic Column?

Back

A representation of the vertical sequence of rock layers, showing their relative ages.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What is the significance of index fossils in relative dating?

Back

Index fossils are used to identify and date the relative ages of rock layers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What is the difference between relative dating and absolute dating?

Back

Relative dating determines the order of events, while absolute dating provides a specific age.

Front

What is a stratigraphic column?

Back

A diagram that shows the arrangement and thickness of rock layers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4