Relative Dating and the Law of Superposition

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What is relative dating in geology?

Back

Relative dating is a method used to determine the age of rocks and fossils in relation to one another, without determining their exact age.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What is the Law of Superposition?

Back

The Law of Superposition states that in an undeformed sequence of sedimentary rocks, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest layers are at the top.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

How can fossils be used in relative dating?

Back

Fossils can be used to correlate the ages of rock layers; the presence of certain fossils can indicate the relative age of the layers.

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What is an intrusion in geology?

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An intrusion is a body of igneous rock that forms when magma penetrates existing rock layers and solidifies.

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What does the order A, D, C, B, E represent in the context of rock layers?

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The order A, D, C, B, E represents the sequence of rock layers from youngest (A) to oldest (E).

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What is the significance of the oldest layer in a sequence?

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The oldest layer provides context for the geological history and the sequence of events that have occurred over time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What is a stratigraphic column?

Back

A stratigraphic column is a diagram that represents the vertical sequence of rock layers and their relative ages.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What is the principle of original horizontality?

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The principle of original horizontality states that layers of sediment are originally deposited horizontally under the action of gravity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What is the principle of cross-cutting relationships?

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The principle of cross-cutting relationships states that a geological feature (like a fault or intrusion) that cuts through another feature is younger than the feature it cuts.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

How do geologists use index fossils?

Back

Geologists use index fossils, which are fossils of organisms that were widespread but only existed for a short period, to help date and correlate rock layers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4