Earth's Landscapes

Front

What is radiocarbon dating?

Back

A scientific method used to determine the age of fossils and ancient objects by measuring the amount of carbon-14 they contain.

Front

What natural process formed the Grand Canyon?

Back

The Grand Canyon was formed by the erosion caused by a river over millions of years.

Front

Where does silt around fossils typically come from?

Back

Silt surrounding fossils usually comes from the ocean.

Front

What evidence do fossils provide about past environments?

Back

Fossils can show that an area was once underwater, indicating the presence of an ocean.

Front

What is a bone bed?

Back

A rock layer that contains a large number of skeletons.

Front

What is erosion?

Back

Erosion is the process by which natural forces like water and wind wear away rocks and soil.

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of a living organism from the past.

Front

How do scientists use fossils to learn about Earth's history?

Back

Scientists study fossils to understand what types of organisms lived in different environments and how those environments changed over time.

Front

What is sediment?

Back

Sediment is small particles of rock, soil, and organic material that can accumulate in layers.

Front

What role do rivers play in shaping landscapes?

Back

Rivers can carve out valleys and canyons through erosion, changing the landscape over time.