CFA: Analyzing the Rock and Fossil Records

Front

What is the principle of superposition?

Back

The principle of superposition states that in an undisturbed sequence of rock layers, the oldest rocks are at the bottom and the younger rocks are on top.

Front

What can the principle of superposition help determine?

Back

The relative age of rock layers.

Front

What does it mean if rock layer C is older than rock layer A?

Back

It means that rock layers were deposited over time, with layer C being deposited first and layer A being deposited last.

Front

If a fault cuts through several rock layers, what can we infer about the age of the fault?

Back

The fault is younger than the layers it cuts through.

Front

What is an igneous intrusion?

Back

An igneous intrusion is a body of igneous rock that forms when magma cools and solidifies within pre-existing rock layers.

Front

Define 'rock profile'.

Back

A rock profile is a vertical section through a sequence of rock layers, showing their arrangement and types.

Front

What is the significance of igneous intrusions in rock layers?

Back

Igneous intrusions can provide information about the geological history and the conditions under which the surrounding rock layers were formed.

Front

What does 'undisturbed sequence' refer to in geology?

Back

An undisturbed sequence refers to rock layers that have not been altered or disrupted by geological events such as folding or faulting.

Front

Explain the term 'relative age' in geology.

Back

Relative age refers to the age of a rock layer or fossil in comparison to other layers or fossils, rather than an exact numerical age.

Front

What is the principle of original horizontality?

Back

The principle of original horizontality states that layers of sediment are originally deposited horizontally under the action of gravity.