CFA: Analyzing the Rock and Fossil Records

Based on the scientist's conclusion that rock layer C is the oldest and rock layer A is the youngest, what can you infer about the geologic history of the rock layers?

• Rock layers were deposited over time, with C first and A last.

• Rock layer A was formed before rock layer C.

• All rock layers formed at the same time.

• Rock layer C is younger than rock layer A.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The principle of ________________ states that, in an undisturbed sequence, the oldest rocks are at the bottom of the sequence and successive layers are younger than those below them.

• superposition

• uniformitarianism

• cross-cutting relationships

• original horizontality

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The principle of superposition can be used to determine.

• the actual age of these rock layers

• the relative densities of these rock layers

• the actual temperatures of these rock layers

• the relative age of these rock layers

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The diagram shows a rock profile containing layers of different types of rock and igneous intrusions. Which sequence lists the correct order of events in the area represented in the diagram?

• 1. Igneous intrusion Y formed. 2. The shale layer was deposited. 3. Igneous intrusion X formed. 4. The limestone layer was deposited. 5. The mudstone layer was deposited.

• 1. The mudstone layer was deposited. 2. The limestone layer was deposited. 3. The shale layer was deposited. 4. Igneous intrusion Y cut into the mudstone, limestone, and shale. 5. Igneous intrusion X cut into the mudstone, limestone, and shale.

• 1. Igneous intrusion X formed. 2. Igneous intrusion Y formed. 3. The shale layer was deposited. 4. The limestone layer was deposited. 5. The mudstone layer was deposited.

• 1. The layer of mudstone was deposited. 2. The layer of limestone was deposited. 3. Igneous intrusion Y cut into the mudstone and limestone. 4. The shale layer was deposited. 5. Igneous intrusion X cut into the mudstone, limestone, and shale.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

If a fault cuts through several rock layers, what can you infer about the age of the fault compared to the layers?

• The fault and the layers are the same age.

• The fault is older than only the topmost layer.

• The fault is older than all the layers it cuts through.

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What does the law of original horizontality state about sedimentary rock layers?

• They are always the oldest rocks in a sequence.

• They are always vertical when first deposited.

• They are deposited in horizontal layers.

• They are deposited in random orientations.