Exploring Rock Layers and Geologic Time

The video explores how scientists study rock layers to understand Earth's history, using the geologic time scale. It includes a field trip to Red Rock Canyon, explaining sedimentary rock formation, and methods like relative and absolute dating. Major events like extinction and species emergence are discussed, along with a model of Earth's history using a football field. Careers in geology and paleontology are highlighted, and an activity demonstrates sedimentary rock formation.

What do scientists study to understand Earth's history?

• Ocean currents

• Weather patterns

• Rock layers

• Plant growth

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In a series of rock layers, where are the oldest layers found?

• At the bottom

• Scattered randomly

• In the middle

• At the top

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What type of rock is formed by the compaction of sediment over time?

• Igneous rock

• Metamorphic rock

• Sedimentary rock

• Volcanic rock

What process moves pieces of broken rock by wind or water?

• Compaction

• Crystallization

• Erosion

• Melting

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What is the term for determining the age of a rock layer relative to another?

• Absolute dating

• Carbon dating

• Relative dating

• Radiometric dating

What is an index fossil?

• A fossil that is found in volcanic rock

• A fossil that is found worldwide for a short period

• A fossil that is very rare

• A fossil found only in one location

What method do scientists use to determine the exact age of a rock layer?

• Relative dating

• Index fossil comparison

• Stratigraphy

• Absolute dating

What major event is indicated by the sudden disappearance of many species in rock layers?

• A flood

• A volcanic eruption

• An earthquake

• An extinction event

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What era did dinosaurs live in?

• Proterozoic

• Cenozoic

• Paleozoic

• Mesozoic

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What do paleontologists study?

• Volcanoes

• Fossils

• Weather patterns

• Ocean currents

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