Laws of Relative Rock Dating

Which layer is OLDER? Intrusion M or Layer D?

• Intrusion M

• Layer D

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What geologic principles (or laws) are best displayed here?

• Superposition

• Original horizontality

• Cross-cutting relationships

• Unconformities

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

How does the law of crosscutting explain the age of a fault?

• The fault is younger than the rocks above it.

• The fault is younger than the rocks it cuts through.

• The fault is older than the rocks above it.

• The fault is older than the rocks it cuts through.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The Law of Superposition helps scientists to determine what?

• The absolute age of rock layers

• The absolute age of fossils

• The relative age of rock layers

• the super powers of rocks

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

According to the law of superposition, the oldest fossils are found 

• At the top of the rock layers

• Near the bottom of the rock layers

• In the middle of the rock layers

• Somewhat near the surface

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

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

Relative Dating dates rocks __________ Absolute Dating dates rocks __________

• exact age; estimated age

• estimated age; exact age

• exact age; parent isotopes

• Laws; Isotopes

The Law of Superposition helps scientists to determine what?

• The absolute age of rock layers

• The age of fossils

• The relative age of rock layers

• the super powers of rocks

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Some magma cuts up through a bunch of layers of sedimentary rock. Which laws will show the relative age of the magma?

• Law of Uniformitarianism

• Law of original horizontality

• Law of super position

• Law of cross cutting

• Law of lava flows