Relative Dating

Front

What is Relative Dating?

Back

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

Front

What does the Law of Superposition state?

Back

The Law of Superposition states that in undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest layers are at the top.

Front

Which rock layer is typically the oldest?

Back

The oldest rock layer is usually found at the bottom of a sequence of layers.

Front

What is the youngest layer in a sequence of rock layers?

Back

The youngest layer is typically found at the top of a sequence of layers.

Front

What is an example of relative age?

Back

An example of relative age is saying 'You are older than your sibling'.

Front

How can you determine the order of rock layers?

Back

You can determine the order of rock layers by using the Law of Superposition and examining the sequence of layers.

Front

What is the significance of fossils in relative dating?

Back

Fossils help in relative dating by providing clues about the age of the rock layers in which they are found.

Front

What is an unconformity in geology?

Back

An unconformity is a gap in the geological record that represents a period of erosion or non-deposition.

Front

How do geologists use index fossils?

Back

Geologists use index fossils to identify and date the relative ages of rock layers.

Front

What is the difference between relative age and absolute age?

Back

Relative age is the age of a rock layer compared to other layers, while absolute age is the actual age of the rock layer in years.