Earth's Past

One layer of rocks looks like it belongs near water. This layer has smooth rocks and bits of sand that look like they have been weathered. How does the Law of Superposition help the geologist determine how old the layer of rock is?

• By measuring the radioactive decay of radioactive elements

• By recognizing that the layers below are older and the layers above are younger

• By locating cracks and faults and comparing them to known earthquakes

• By classifying fossils from a geologic time period

What is the most accurate way to measure the age of a rock?

• Radioactive dating

• weigh the rock and determine the mass that has been eroded

• rock type

• information found in the layers near the rock's location

Which of the following correctly lists the layers in order from oldest to youngest?

• A, B, C, D, E
• E, B, C, D, A
• E, D, C, B, A
• C, B, A, D, E

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What is the youngest layer in the outcrop?

• A
• B
• C
• D

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

An element that has broken down and released particles and energy is said to be _______________.

• radioactive
• subatomic

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

__________________is the time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in an element to decay.

• dating range
• half life

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

What is the relative age of a rock?

• The age determined by the things around it.
• The age of an igneous rock.
• The age determined by radioactive dating.
• The time it takes for 1/2 of the radioactive atoms to decay in an element.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Geologic and fossil evidence suggest all landmasses were once connected. What geologic phenomenon can explain the change from Pangea to the way the continents look today?

• changes in tectonic plate positions

• changes in volcanic activity

• changes in rock weathering and soil erosion

• changes in ocean currents

Florida was once part of Gondwanaland, which was a supercontinent that later divided into Africa and South America. Which best describes this process?

• a volcano caused it to split

• the continents have moved through Earth's history

• weathering and erosion

• Africa and South America go through cycles of colliding

How old is the Earth?

• 2 byo

• 4.65 byo

• 2.54 byo

• 3 myo