Age of Earth's Rocks

What is sedimentary rock primarily made of?

• Large boulders

• Tiny rock pieces

• Lava

• Metal ores

What can cause gaps in the rock record, known as unconformities?

• Continuous sediment deposition

• Erosion or lack of sediment deposition

• Earthquakes only

• Human activity

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What is the relative age of a rock layer?

• Its exact age in years

• Its age compared to other rock layers

• Its age since the last earthquake

• Its age based on color

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What is the relationship between a fault and the rock layers it cuts through?

• The fault is older than the rock layers

• The fault is younger than the rock layers

• The fault is the same age as the rock layers

• The fault does not affect the age of the rock layers

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What can the fossil record tell scientists about Earth's history?

• The exact temperature of ancient Earth

• How life on Earth has changed over time

• The future climate of Earth

• The exact location of ancient cities

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What is NOT an example of a process that can disrupt sedimentary layers?

• Tsunami

• Human impact

• Fossils

• Earthquake

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Why might a scientist be interested in studying sedimentary rock layers in a specific region?

• To find precious metals

• To learn about past environments and organisms

• To predict future earthquakes

• To create new rock layers

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

How do fossils get trapped in rocks?

• By being left out in the rain

• By being buried by layers of dirt and sand

• By being washed away by rivers

• By being melted by the sun

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What are fossils useful for?

• Making jewelry

• Learning about animals from long ago

• Finding treasure

• Building houses

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Why do sedimentary rocks often look like they have stripes?

• Because of paint

• Because of layers of sediment settling over time

• Because of animal tracks

• Because of rainbows

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4