Relative Dating and the Law of Superposition

Front

What is relative dating?

Back

Relative dating is any method of determining whether something is older or younger than something else.

Front

What does the Law of Superposition state?

Back

In undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest layers are at the top.

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 can fossils help in relative dating?

Back

Fossils can indicate the relative age of rock layers, as certain fossils are known to appear in specific geological periods.

Front

What is the significance of the white layer containing a fossil?

Back

The white layer is older than the layers above it, indicating the sequence of geological events.

Front

What does it mean if a fossil is found in a layer above another layer?

Back

It means the fossil is younger than the layer below it.

Front

How do geologists determine the relative age of rock layers?

Back

Geologists use principles such as the Law of Superposition, fossil correlation, and the identification of intrusions.

Front

What is the order of rock layers from youngest to oldest if A is the youngest and D is the oldest?

Back

A, D, C, B, E.

Front

What happens to rock layers during an intrusion?

Back

The intrusion is younger than the rock layers it cuts through.

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of a once-living organism.