Relative Age Dating

Front

What is the law of superposition?

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.

Front

Where are the oldest fossils typically found according to the law of superposition?

Back

Near the bottom of the rock layers.

Front

What is an intrusion in geology?

Back

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

Front

How do sedimentary rocks usually form?

Back

Sedimentary rocks usually form horizontally as sediments accumulate in layers over time.

Front

What is an inclusion in geology?

Back

An inclusion is a piece of one rock unit that is contained within another rock unit, indicating that the included rock is older.

Front

What is an unconformity?

Back

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

Front

How can you determine which layer is older: Layer M or Intrusion P?

Back

You can determine which layer is older by examining the relationships between the layers; if Layer M is below Intrusion P, then Layer M is older.

Front

What does it mean if a rock layer is tilted?

Back

If a rock layer is tilted, it indicates that geological forces have acted on the layer after it was deposited, altering its original horizontal position.

Front

What is the significance of fossils in relative age dating?

Back

Fossils help in relative age dating by providing evidence of the age of the rock layers in which they are found, as certain fossils are characteristic of specific time periods.

Front

What is the principle of original horizontality?

Back

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