Relative Age Presentation

Multiple Choice

Why is it important for scientists to study the positions of rock layers when trying to understand Earth's history?

• Because the position of rock layers helps determine their relative age

• Because rock layers are always formed in the same way everywhere

• Because rock layers are the only way to measure Earth's age

Multiple Choice

What concept do geologists use to determine the relative ages of rock layers, similar to figuring out what is older or younger in a messy locker?

• Position of the layers

• Color of the rocks

• Size of the rocks

• Temperature of the layers

Multiple Choice

According to the Principle of Superposition, which layer in an undisturbed rock stack is the oldest?

• The bottom layer

• The top layer

• The middle layer

• The thickest layer

Fill in the Blanks

Gravity causes sediment layers to settle

and horizontal.

Multiple Select

Which of the following statements describe the Principle of Cross-Cutting Relationships?

• The cutting event is younger than the layers it cuts through

• The cut happens after the layers are stacked

• The oldest layer is always on top

• Faults or magma intrusions cut through existing layers

Multiple Choice

If a rock layer contains pieces of another rock, what can you infer about the age of those pieces?

• The pieces are older than the surrounding rock

• The pieces are younger than the surrounding rock

• The pieces are the same age as the surrounding rock

• The pieces formed after the surrounding rock

Multiple Choice

What is one way geologists use rock layers to determine the age of Earth's history?

• By examining the color of rocks

• By studying the position of rock layers

• By measuring the temperature of rocks

• By counting the number of rocks