Earth History Investigation 3 Deposition

Front

What is ooze?

Back

Tiny shells from microscopic organisms (plankton) that form the soft watery mud at the bottom of a lake or sea.

Front

What does uniformitarianism mean?

Back

A theory that says geologic processes observed in the past are the same as those observed today, meaning the processes shaping Earth now are the same as those that shaped it in the past and will shape it in the future.

Front

How do rock layers form in a basin?

Back

An entire basin can become tilted, layers always form horizontally, and newer layers form on top of older layers.

Front

Which rock layer is the youngest: Sandstone, Shelly limestone, or Shale?

Back

Sandstone.

Front

Why is uniformitarianism important in geology?

Back

Uniformitarianism states that the processes that shape Earth are the same throughout time, allowing us to infer past geological events based on current processes.

Front

What is cementation in geology?

Back

The process by which dissolved minerals crystallize and glue particles of sediment together.

Front

Define compaction in the context of sedimentary rocks.

Back

The process by which sediments are pressed together under their own weight, reducing their volume.

Front

What is a sedimentary rock?

Back

A type of rock formed by the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles.

Front

What is the significance of sediment size in rock layers?

Back

Larger sediments are typically found in the bottom layers, while smaller sediments are found in the top layers.

Front

What is a geological time scale?

Back

A system of chronological dating that relates geological strata to time.