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.

Front

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.

Front

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 at least as old as the fossil, and it can help determine the relative age of the layer.

Front

What can be used to determine the relative ages of rock layers?

Back

Fossils can be used to determine the relative ages of rock layers.

Front

If a white layer contains a fossil, what can be inferred about its age compared to the layers above it?

Back

The white layer is older than the layers above it.

Front

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.

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 you tell which layer is older: an intrusion or a layer of sedimentary rock?

Back

If the sedimentary rock layer is found above the intrusion, then the sedimentary rock layer is older.

Front

What is the significance of fossils in rock layers?

Back

Fossils provide important clues about the age of rock layers and the history of life on Earth.

Front

What does it mean if a layer is younger than another layer?

Back

A younger layer is one that was deposited after the older layer, meaning it is formed later in geological time.