Relative Dating and Laws of Stratigraphy

Analyze the seashell found in the white layer.  Which statement is true of the rock layer that contains this fossil?

• It could also contain a fossil from the bottom layer.

• It is older than the layers below it.

• It is younger than the layers above it.

• It is older than the layers above it.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

How do geologists use relative dating?

• Placing rocks in order from youngest to oldest

• Placing rocks in order by minerals they contain

• Classifying rocks by different textures

• Classifying rocks by different isotopes

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which of the following correctly lists the layers in order from oldest to youngest?

• A, B, C, D, E

• E, B, C, D, A

• E, D, C, B, A

• C, B, A, D, E

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

How do scientists use fossils to determine the relative ages of rock layers?

• by comparing all the fossils in one rock layer

• by comparing fossils in many different rock layers

• by determining the positions of fossils in many different rock layers

• by locating other areas of the world where the same fossils are found

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What scientific law tells us that if one rock layer contains pieces or fragments of another rock layer, then the fragments will be older than the rock layer that surrounds it.

• Cross-cutting

• Original Horizontality

• Unconformities

• Inclusions

What scientific law tells us that if one rock layer crosses over other layers, then that layer of rock will be younger than any rock layers that it crosses?

• Cross-cutting

• Original Horizontality

• Unconformities

• Inclusions

Correctly sequence the layers of rocks oldest to youngest 

• C,E,D,A,B

• C,E,D,A,B

• C,E, D,B,A

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Correctly sequence the layers of rocks oldest to youngest 

• A,D, C, B, E

• E, B,C D, A

• B,E,C, D, A

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The Law of Crosscutting states that a fault or intrusion is __________ than the bodies of rock it cuts through.

• younger

• older

• funnier

• nastier

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which letter indicates an igneous intrusion?

• A

• C

• D

• E