Relative vs Absolute Dating

If you will study the relative age of a rock layer, which indicator below is the more appropriate to use?

• The thickness of the layer

• The chemical makeup of the layer

• The distance of the layer extends over the Earth

• The position of the layer compared to other layers

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Where do the oldest rocks found in an undisturbed rock profile?

• at the bottom

• in the middle

• on the top

• anywhere

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Radiometric dating is used to estimate how geologic rocks are formed and infer the ages of fossils contained within those rocks. In which of the given rocks is Radiometric dating least useful?

• basaltic

• granitic

• metamorphic

• sedimentary

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-6

Which of these is the best indication of the relative age of a rock layer?

• the thickness of the layer.

• the chemical make-up of the layer.

• the distance of the layer on the surface.

• the position of the layer compared to other layers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The absolute age of an igneous rock can best be determined by ___________.

• examining the environment in which the rock is found

• examining the rock’s relative position in a rock outcrop

• comparing the amount of decayed and undecayed radioactive isotopes

• comparing the size of crystals in the upper and lower parts of the rock

The principle of horizontality is based on the observation that sediment usually accumulates in _______________ layers.

• horizontal

• straight

• vertical

• round

Which of the following makes use of the position of rocks to determine its age?

• Relative Dating

• Absolute Dating

• Radioactive Dating

• Radiometric Dating

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Which was the first method used to determine the ages of rock and fossils?

• Relative Dating

• Absolute Dating

• Radioactive Dating

• Radiometric Dating

What is the difference between an absolute date and a relative date?

• An absolute date refers to a year or a range of years while a relative date indicates a chronological order.

• A relative date is derived from radiometric dating techniques while an absolute date comes from guesswork.

• A relative date refers to a year or a range of years while an absolute date indicates a chronological order.

• An absolute date involves testing of sedimentary rocks while a relative date involves testing of igneous rocks.

Which of the following is NOT true about Absolute Dating?

• a quantitative method of dating

• principles to recognize the relative ages of rocks

• used to give rocks an actual date or date range, in number of years

• use the radiometric method by radioactive decay: the concept of isotopes and concepts of half-life