Earth Science Dating Techniques

What is the law of superposition?

• A method to determine the absolute age

• A method to determine the relative age

• A method to measure the age in years

• A method to determine the age of meteorites

Complete the sentence: Scientists know the specific age of Earth from the absolute age dating technique called _____.

• Radiometric Dating

• Law of Superposition

• Law of Crosscutting Relations

• Fossil Assemblage

Which method is NOT used in relative dating?

• A) Law of Superposition

• B) Law of Crosscutting Relations

• C) Radiometric Dating

• D) Fossil Assemblage

What is the definition of absolute age?

• Measurement of the age of an event or object in years

• Determining whether an event is older or younger than other events

• Using fossil assemblages to determine age

• Using the law of superposition to determine age

What is an intrusion?

• A layer of sediment

• A rock that forms when magma cuts through rock, cools, and becomes solid under Earth's surface

• A type of fault line

• A sedimentary rock

The law of superposition states that any layer that lies below another layer is ______.

• Younger

• Older

• The same age

• Unrelated

Intrusion D is ______ than layer B.

• Younger

• Older

• The same age

• Unrelated

What is the relative age of fault E?

• Oldest

• Youngest

• Middle-aged

• Cannot be determined.

What is an unconformity?

• A continuous sequence of rock layers

• A break in the geologic record

• A type of fossil

• A method of dating rocks.

Fill in the blank: An index fossil must have _______ features.

• Common

• Distinctive

• Rare

• Hidden