Relative Dating Flashcardizz

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 principle states that in undisturbed layers of rock, the oldest layers are at the bottom?

Back

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

What is a fault?

Back

A fault is a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock, which can cause earthquakes.

Front

What is an inclusion in geology?

Back

An inclusion is a piece of one rock unit that is contained within another rock unit, indicating that the included rock is older.

Front

What does the term 'unconformity' refer to?

Back

An unconformity is a surface that represents a gap in the geological record, where rock layers have been eroded or not deposited.

Front

How can you determine which rock layer is older?

Back

You can determine which rock layer is older by applying the principles of relative dating, such as the Law of Superposition and the principle of inclusions.

Front

What is the significance of faulting in geological history?

Back

Faulting can indicate past tectonic activity and can help geologists understand the geological history of an area.

Front

What is deposition in geology?

Back

Deposition is the process by which sediments, soil, and rocks are added to a landform or land mass.

Front

What is breccia?

Back

Breccia is a type of rock that is composed of angular fragments of minerals or rocks cemented together.