Stratigraphy & Fossils CFU

Front

What is stratigraphy?

Back

The study of the layers of rock.

Front

What does the Law of Superposition state?

Back

The deeper a rock is, the older it is unless it has been disturbed or altered.

Front

What must happen to rock layers before they can be bent or folded?

Back

They must be deposited.

Front

What can be concluded about fossils based on the Law of Superposition?

Back

The oldest fossils are found in the lowest rock layers.

Front

Which layer is the youngest in a sequence of rock layers?

Back

The layer at the top.

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

The preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms.

Front

What is the principle of original horizontality?

Back

Rock layers are originally deposited in horizontal layers.

Front

What is an unconformity in geology?

Back

A gap in the geological record due to erosion or non-deposition.

Front

What type of rock is typically associated with fossils?

Back

Sedimentary rock.

Front

What does the term 'biostratigraphy' refer to?

Back

The use of fossil organisms to date and correlate rock layers.