Dating Methods Quiz

What is the Principle of Superposition?

• Layers are deposited randomly.

• Younger layers are on top of older layers.

• Older layers are on top of younger layers.

• Layers are deposited vertically.

Which dating method uses the decay of carbon-14?

• Potassium-argon dating

• Uranium series dating

• Radiocarbon dating

• Fission track dating

What is the half-life of carbon-14?

• 75,000 years

• 5730 years

• 1.3 billion years

• 245,000 years

Which principle states that sedimentary rock layers are originally continuous?

• Principle of Lateral Continuity

• Principle of Original Horizontality

• Principle of Cross Cutting Relationships

• Principle of Superposition

What is the main focus of tephrochronology?

• Dating volcanic eruptions

• Dating organic materials

• Dating sedimentary layers

• Dating magnetic reversals

Which dating method is useful for materials that are crystalline?

• Uranium series dating

• Thermoluminescence

• Radiocarbon dating

• Potassium-argon dating

What is the main element used in potassium-argon dating?

• Thorium

• Potassium

• Uranium

• Carbon

Which dating method involves measuring magnetic particles in strata?

• Amino Acid Racemization

• Thermoluminescence

• Paleomagnetism

• Radiocarbon dating

What is the main use of index fossils?

• To compare the ages of different geological units

• To date volcanic eruptions

• To measure the thickness of sedimentary layers

• To determine the magnetic field orientation

Which dating method is particularly useful in cave sites?

• Fission track dating

• Potassium-argon dating

• Uranium series dating

• Radiocarbon dating