Relative Age Dating

Front

What is Unconformity?

Back

A break in the geologic record that occurs when rock layers are eroded over a long period of time.

Front

Which layer is older: Layer E or Intrusion A?

Back

Intrusion A is older than Layer E.

Front

What is the Law of Superposition?

Back

States that in undisturbed rock layers, younger rocks lie above older rocks.

Front

Which is the oldest: Layer L, Intrusion D, Intrusion H, or Layer E?

Back

Layer E is the oldest.

Front

Which layer is older: Fault E or Intrusion D?

Back

Intrusion D is older than Fault E.

Front

What does Relative Dating refer to?

Back

A method of determining the age of rocks and fossils in relation to one another.

Front

What is the Law of Crosscutting?

Back

States that a geologic feature (like a fault or intrusion) that cuts through another is younger than the feature it cuts.

Front

How can you determine the relative age of rock layers?

Back

By using principles such as the Law of Superposition and the Law of Crosscutting.

Front

What is the significance of fossils in relative dating?

Back

Fossils can help determine the relative ages of rock layers based on the types of organisms present.

Front

What is an intrusion in geology?

Back

An intrusion is a body of igneous rock that forms when magma cools and solidifies beneath the Earth's surface.