Geologic History of Earth STEMscopes

Front

What is the geologic time scale?

Back

A system of chronological dating that relates geological strata to time, used to describe the timing and relationships of events in Earth's history.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What are sedimentary rocks?

Back

Rocks formed by the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles, often containing fossils.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What is stratigraphy?

Back

The branch of geology concerned with the order and relative position of strata and their relationship to the geological time scale.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

The preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, often found in sedimentary rock.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Front

What does the Law of Superposition state?

Back

In undisturbed sedimentary rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What is an intrusion in geology?

Back

The process by which magma penetrates existing rock layers, solidifying into igneous rock.

Front

What is the significance of fossils in understanding Earth's history?

Back

Fossils provide evidence of past life forms and their environments, helping to reconstruct the history of life on Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Front

What is the difference between relative dating and absolute dating?

Back

Relative dating determines the sequence of events, while absolute dating provides a specific age or date for an event.

Front

What are rock strata?

Back

Layers of sedimentary rock that are stacked on top of one another, each representing a specific period of deposition.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What is paleontology?

Back

The scientific study of the history of life on Earth through the examination of plant and animal fossils.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2