Dating

Front

What is the Principle of Superposition?

Back

The Principle of Superposition states that in an undisturbed sequence of rock layers, the oldest layer is at the bottom and the youngest layer is at the top.

Front

What is absolute age?

Back

Absolute age is the numerical age, in years, of any object or rock layer.

Front

What are index fossils?

Back

Index fossils are fossils used to define and identify a particular time period in the geological time scale.

Front

What traits make a good index fossil?

Back

A good index fossil is widespread geographically and has a short lifespan.

Front

How do index fossils help in determining relative age?

Back

Index fossils help determine relative age by correlating rock layers across different locations.

Front

What is relative age?

Back

Relative age is the age of an object or rock layer in comparison to another object or rock layer.

Front

What is the significance of rock layers in geology?

Back

Rock layers provide a record of Earth's history, including the sequence of events and the age of different geological formations.

Front

What are unconformities in geology?

Back

Unconformities are gaps in the geological record that occur when rock layers are eroded or when sediment is not deposited for a period of time.

Front

What is the difference between absolute age and relative age?

Back

Absolute age is a specific numerical age, while relative age is the age of an object in relation to other objects.

Front

What does the term 'cross-cutting relationships' mean?

Back

Cross-cutting relationships refer to the principle that a geological feature (like a fault or intrusion) that cuts through another is younger than the feature it cuts.