Relative Dating and the Law of Superposition

Front

What is the Law of Superposition?

Back

The Law of Superposition states that in undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the younger layers are at the top.

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Where are the oldest rock layers found according to the Law of Superposition?

Back

The oldest rock layers are always at the bottom of the rock layers.

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What does it mean if a rock layer contains a fossil?

Back

If a rock layer contains a fossil, it indicates that the layer is older than the fossil itself.

Front

What is an extrusion in geology?

Back

An extrusion is lava that reaches the Earth's surface and cools to form solid rock.

Front

Is an extrusion the oldest or youngest layer?

Back

An extrusion is considered the youngest layer because it forms after the existing rock layers.

Front

What is an intrusion in geology?

Back

An intrusion is when magma pushes into existing rock layers and solidifies, forming new rock.

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How does the presence of fossils help in relative dating?

Back

Fossils help in relative dating by allowing scientists to determine the relative ages of rock layers based on the types of fossils found within them.

Front

What is relative dating?

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.

Front

What principle is used to determine the relative ages of rock layers?

Back

The principle of superposition is used to determine the relative ages of rock layers.

Front

What happens to rock layers during an intrusion?

Back

During an intrusion, the existing rock layers are disturbed, and the new rock formed from magma is younger than the surrounding layers.