Relative Age Dating

The principle of uniformitarianism states that sedimentary rocks are deposited in horizontal layers.

• True

• False

A scientist stated that rock layer C is the oldest and rock layer A is the youngest. Based on the scientist's conclusion, what can you infer about the geologic history of the rock layers? Explain your answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The oldest rock layer in an undisturbed rock sequence occurs _____.

• at the bottom of the sequence

• below the sedimentary rock layer

• below the unconformity

• at the top of the sequence

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The principle of _______________ states that, in an undisturbed sequence, the oldest rocks are at the bottom of the sequence and successive layers are younger than those below them.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The remains of living plants or animals are called fossils.

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Determining the order of events and the relative age of rocks by examining the position of rocks in a sequence is called _____.

• absolute dating

• radiometric dating

• relative dating

• radiocarbon dating

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The principle of superposition can be used to determine.

• the actual age of these rock layers

• the relative densities of these rock layers

• the actual temperatures of these rock layers

• the relative age of these rock layers

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The diagram shows a rock profile containing layers of different types of rock and igneous intrusions. Which sequence lists the correct order of events in the area represented in the diagram?

• A) 1. Igneous intrusion Y formed. 2. The shale layer was deposited. 3. Igneous intrusion X formed. 4. The limestone layer was deposited. 5. The mudstone layer was deposited.

• B) 1. The mudstone layer was deposited. 2. The limestone layer was deposited. 3. The shale layer was deposited. 4. Igneous intrusion Y cut into the mudstone, limestone, and shale. 5. Igneous intrusion X cut into the mudstone, limestone, and shale.

• C) 1. Igneous intrusion X formed. 2. Igneous intrusion Y formed. 3. The shale layer was deposited. 4. The limestone layer was deposited. 5. The mudstone layer was deposited.

• D) 1. The layer of mudstone was deposited. 2. The layer of limestone was deposited. 3. Igneous intrusion Y cut into the mudstone and limestone. 4. The shale layer was deposited. 5. Igneous intrusion X cut into the mudstone, limestone, and shale.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2