Stratigraphy Practice

Front

What is the Law of Cross-Cutting Relationships?

Back

A principle that states that an intrusive layer of igneous rock will always be younger than the rock it cuts through.

Front

What does the Law of Superposition state?

Back

A principle that states that the deeper a rock is, the older it is unless it has been disturbed or altered.

Front

What is the principle of Inclusions?

Back

A principle that states that any rock fragments that are included in another rock must be older than the rock they are included in.

Front

Define 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 does the term 'Stratigraphy' refer to?

Back

Stratigraphy is the branch of geology that studies rock layers (strata) and layering (stratification).

Front

What is the significance of the Law of Original Horizontality?

Back

This law states that layers of sediment are originally deposited horizontally under the action of gravity.

Front

How can you determine the relative age of rock layers?

Back

By applying principles such as superposition, cross-cutting relationships, and inclusions.

Front

What is the difference between relative dating and absolute dating?

Back

Relative dating determines the sequence of events, while absolute dating provides a specific age or date for rock layers.

Front

What is a fossil and how is it used in stratigraphy?

Back

A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, used to correlate and date rock layers.

Front

What is a sedimentary rock?

Back

Sedimentary rocks are formed by the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles.