Rock Superposition

The Law of Superposition helps scientists to determine what?

• The absolute age of rock layers

• The age of fossils

• The relative age of rock layers

• the super powers of squirrels

According to the law of superposition, the oldest fossils are found 

• At the top of the rock layers
• Near the bottom of the rock layers
• In the middle of the rock layers
• Somewhat near the surface

_{Which rock layer in the diagram seems to be the oldest?}

• F
• E
• B
• A

According to the law of superposition, which layer is the youngest?

• A
• B
• C

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

What is the oldest layer in the outcrop?

• B
• C
• D
• E

What is the youngest layer in the outcrop?

• A
• B
• C
• D

In this rock layer diagram there are two unconformities, a fault at E and an intrusion at D. Which unconformity occurred first?  How do you know?

• Intrusion D occurred first because the instrusion has been moved by the fault.
• The fault occurred first because it has moved the intrusion D.
• Intrusion D occurred first because it can be seen in all of the rock layers.
• Fault E occurred first because it is a normal fault.

Which rock layer most likely contains fossils of the most recently evolved organisms?

• 4
• 3
• 1
• 2

An archaeologist made the following diagram of a dig site. What can be said about the pottery as compared to the skull found in the site?

• The rock layer with the pottery is more recent than the rock layer with the skull.
• The rock layer with the skull is more recent than the rock layer with the pottery.
• The rock layer with the skull is approximately the same age as the rock layer with the pottery.
• The rock layer with the skull has an absolute date of 17,000 years.