Relative Dating and the Law of Superposition

Front

What is relative dating?

Back

Relative dating is any method of determining whether something is older or younger than something else.

Front

What does the Law of Superposition state?

Back

In undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest layers are at the top.

Front

What is an intrusion in geology?

Back

An intrusion is a body of igneous rock that forms when magma cools and solidifies beneath the Earth's surface.

Front

How can fossils be used in relative dating?

Back

Fossils can help determine the relative ages of rock layers by showing which layers contain similar types of organisms.

Front

What is the significance of layer M in relative dating?

Back

Layer M is considered older than the intrusion P, indicating its position in the geological timeline.

Front

What is an example of a geological feature that can indicate relative age?

Back

An example is a fault line, which can show that the rock layers on either side are of different ages.

Front

What is the difference between absolute dating and relative dating?

Back

Absolute dating provides a specific age of a rock or fossil, while relative dating places events in order without exact dates.

Front

What does it mean if a fossil is found in a layer above another layer?

Back

It means the fossil is younger than the fossils found in the lower layer.

Front

What role do sedimentary rocks play in relative dating?

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Sedimentary rocks often contain fossils and can show the sequence of events in Earth's history.

Front

What is the importance of understanding geological time?

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Understanding geological time helps scientists reconstruct Earth's history and the evolution of life.