Relative and Absolute Dating

Front

What is the law of Superposition?

Back

In horizontal sedimentary rock layers, the oldest layer is at the bottom and the youngest layer is at the top.

Front

Where are the oldest fossils found according to the law of Superposition?

Back

Near the bottom of the rock layers.

Front

Which layer is considered the oldest in a sequence of rock layers?

Back

The layer that is at the bottom of the sequence.

Front

What does it mean if two layers of rock are a match?

Back

It means they were formed at the same time or have similar characteristics.

Front

What is the difference between absolute age and relative age?

Back

Absolute age finds the age in years, while relative age indicates which rock is older than another.

Front

What is relative dating?

Back

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

Front

What is absolute dating?

Back

A method used to determine the actual age of a rock or fossil in years.

Front

What is an index fossil?

Back

A fossil that is used to define and identify a particular time period in the geological time scale.

Front

What is a geologic record?

Back

The history of Earth as recorded in the layers of rock and fossils.

Front

What is an intrusion in geology?

Back

A body of igneous rock that has formed by the cooling and solidification of magma beneath the Earth's surface.