Unit 3 review

Front

What is the principle of superposition?

Back

The principle 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.

Front

What is the half-life of a radioactive isotope?

Back

The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the time it takes for half of the atoms in a sample to decay.

Front

Which principle states that rock intrusions are always younger than the layers they occur in?

Back

The Principle of Crosscutting Concepts states that rock intrusions are always younger than the layers they occur in.

Front

In which epoch are we currently living?

Back

We are currently living in the Holocene epoch.

Front

What is the branch of geology that studies the order and position of rock layers?

Back

The branch of geology that studies the order and position of rock layers is called Stratigraphy.

Front

What does the Principle of Original Horizontality state?

Back

The Principle of Original Horizontality states that layers of sediment are originally deposited horizontally under the action of gravity.

Front

Define stratigraphy.

Back

Stratigraphy is the branch of geology concerned with the description and interpretation of sedimentary rock layers.

Front

What is the significance of fossils in geology?

Back

Fossils are significant in geology as they provide evidence of past life and help in dating and correlating rock layers.

Front

What is the Law of Faunal Succession?

Back

The Law of Faunal Succession states that fossil organisms succeed one another in a definite and recognizable order, allowing rock layers to be dated.

Front

What is an unconformity in geology?

Back

An unconformity is a surface of contact between two groups of unconformable strata, indicating a gap in the geological record.