Relative Age Dating

Front

What is the definition of relative age in geology?

Back

Relative age is the age of a rock compared to the ages of other rocks.

Front

Which layer is older: Layer M or Intrusion P?

Back

Layer M is older than Intrusion P.

Front

Which layer is older: Intrusion M or Layer D?

Back

Layer D is older than Intrusion M.

Front

What does the Law of Superposition state?

Back

The Law of Superposition states that in undisturbed layers of rock, younger rocks lie above older rocks.

Front

Which is older: Fault E or Intrusion D?

Back

Intrusion D is older than Fault E.

Front

What is the principle of original horizontality?

Back

The principle of original horizontality states that layers of sediment are originally deposited horizontally under the action of gravity.

Front

What is an intrusion in geology?

Back

An intrusion is a body of igneous rock that has formed from magma that has cooled and solidified beneath the Earth's surface.

Front

How can you determine the relative age of rock layers?

Back

You can determine the relative age of rock layers by using principles such as the Law of Superposition, the principle of original horizontality, and cross-cutting relationships.

Front

What is a fault in geological terms?

Back

A fault is a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock, which allows for the movement of the blocks relative to each other.

Front

What is the significance of cross-cutting relationships in geology?

Back

Cross-cutting relationships state that a geological feature (like a fault or intrusion) that cuts through another feature is younger than the feature it cuts.