Geologic Change Over Time

Front

What principle explains that geologic processes that occurred in the past can be explained by current geologic processes? (The key to the past is the present)

Back

Uniformitarianism

Front

What are five things scientists can study to learn about Earth's climate history?

Back

1. Tree rings

2. Ice cores

3. Sea-floor sediment

4. Weather conditions over time

5. 5. Fossils

Front

What are parts or remains of an organism that lived long ago, most commonly preserved in sedimentary rock called?

Back

Fossils

Front

Both hard and soft tissues of organisms can be preserved in __?

Back

Ice

Front

What is a fossil in which minerals replace all or part of an organism?

Back

Mineralized fossil

Front

What processes cause tall, jagged mountain ranges to become rounder and smaller over time?

Back

Erosion and weathering

Front

How does tree growth reflect variations in past climate?

Back

Each ring reflects climate conditions

Front

What are features on sedimentary rock that form when fine-grained sediments at the bottom of a shallow body of water are exposed to air and dry out?

Back

Mud cracks

Front

The process of fossilization in which an organism becomes stuck in thick, sticky tar is __.

Back

Trapped in Asphalt

Front

What type of rock are fossils found in?

Back

Sedimentary rock