Law of Superposition Review

Front

What is the Law of Superposition?

Back

The Law of Superposition is a geological principle that states in undisturbed sedimentary rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest layers are at the top.

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What does the Law of Superposition help scientists determine?

Back

The Law of Superposition helps scientists determine the relative age of rock layers.

Front

Which rock layer is typically the oldest?

Back

The rock layer at the bottom of a sequence is typically the oldest.

Front

What is relative age?

Back

Relative age is the age of a rock or fossil in comparison to other rocks or fossils, rather than an exact age.

Front

What is absolute age?

Back

Absolute age is the actual age of a rock or fossil, often determined through radiometric dating.

Front

In a sequence of rock layers, if layer A is on top of layer B, which is older?

Back

Layer B is older than layer A.

Front

What is an example of a fossil that might be found in sedimentary rock?

Back

An example of a fossil that might be found in sedimentary rock is an ammonite.

Front

If a bird fossil is found in a rock layer above an ammonite fossil, which is younger?

Back

The bird fossil is younger than the ammonite fossil.

Front

What is the significance of the order of rock layers?

Back

The order of rock layers helps scientists understand the history of the Earth and the timeline of life.

Front

What does it mean if two rock layers are disturbed?

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If two rock layers are disturbed, the Law of Superposition may not apply, and their relative ages cannot be determined.