Stratigraphy- Flashcard 12/13

Front

What is the principle of Superposition?

Back

The principle of Superposition states that in any undisturbed sequence of rocks, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest layers are at the top.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What does Uniformitarianism mean?

Back

Uniformitarianism is the principle that the processes that shape the Earth today, such as erosion and sedimentation, also operated in the past.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

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.

Front

What is a fault?

Back

A fault is a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock, which can cause earthquakes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is an unconformity?

Back

An unconformity is a surface that represents a gap in the geological record, where rock layers have been eroded or not deposited for a period of time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

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 the principle of Lateral Continuity?

Back

The principle of Lateral Continuity states that layers of sediment initially extend laterally in all directions; they may be laterally continuous over great distances.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What are fossils?

Back

Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, often found in sedimentary rock layers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

What is the significance of rock layers in stratigraphy?

Back

Rock layers, or strata, provide a record of geological history, including the age of the rocks and the types of organisms that lived during different periods.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

How can you determine the relative age of rock layers?

Back

The relative age of rock layers can be determined using principles such as Superposition, Cross-Cutting Relationships, and Fossil Correlation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4