Geology Quick Check

Front

What is an index fossil?

Back

A fossil found over a large area that was deposited within a short time period, used to identify and date the rock layers in which it is found.

Front

What does the Law of Superposition state?

Back

In a sequence of sedimentary rock layers, the youngest rocks are on top and the oldest rocks are at the bottom.

Front

What can you conclude if you find the same index fossil in two different locations?

Back

The fossils and rock layers are the same age.

Front

How do you list rock layers from youngest to oldest?

Back

You identify the order based on the Law of Superposition, where the top layer is the youngest.

Front

What is the significance of index fossils in geology?

Back

They help geologists correlate the age of rock layers across different locations.

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.

Front

What is a geologic formation?

Back

A body of rock with a recognizable, consistent set of characteristics that can be mapped.

Front

What does the term 'stratigraphy' refer to?

Back

The study of rock layers (strata) and layering (stratification) in geology.

Front

What is the principle of original horizontality?

Back

Layers of sediment are originally deposited horizontally under the action of gravity.

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

The preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, often found in sedimentary rock.