Earth Science Relative Age of Bedrock

Which of the following statements best describes the term relative age?

• The age of a rock or event in years.

• The oldest rock layers are always found on top of younger layers.

• Older rocks are always bigger than younger rocks.

• The age of rocks or events compared to the age of other rocks of events.

Which scientific principle states that the geologic processes that took place in the past are similar to those that take place now?

• superposition

• uniformitarianism

Which scientific principle states that sediments are deposited in horizontal layers that are parallel to the surface they were deposited on?

• absolute age

• original horizontality

Which scientific principle states that in undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layer is on the bottom and each overlying layer is younger?

• absolute age

• uniformitarianism

• superposition

• original horizonrality

An oil well is drilled through a series of sedimentary rock layers in which no unusual geologic deformation has occurred. Compared to the top layers of sedimentary rock, each successive layer encountered by the drill will be

• older

• more weathered

• of lower density

• composed of smaller particles

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

The cross sections of crust below represent two regions of sedimentary rock layers have been altered. The sedimentary bedrock in both regions originally formed as

• horizontal layers

• recrystallized layers

• faulted layers

• folded layers

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

The diagram below shows the fossils in three rock layers. Based on the drawing, which type of fossil most likely represents the oldest type of organism?

• leaf

• shell

• bone

• teeth

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The cross section below shows fossils and the rock layers in which they are found. Which fossil is considered the youngest in the cross section shown?

• armored fish

• dinosaurs

• early horses

• Jerry Key -Trilobites shell

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The diagram below represents a cross-section of a cliff. It shows several rock layers containing fossils. Which of the following layers is most likely the youngest?

• the layer containing trilobites

• the layer containing fishes

• the layer containing amphibians

• the layer containing dinosaurs

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The diagram below shows a cross-section of land that has not been overturned and includes a fossil. What can be concluded about the age of the fossil?

• It is younger than the shale.

• It is older than the shale.

• It is older than the sandstone.

• It is younger than the sandstone.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1