🌍 Earth Science Review Flashcards

Front

Law of Superposition

Back

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

Front

River cutting through rock layers

Back

The river is younger than the rock it cut through.

Front

Fault running through a rock layer

Back

The fault formed after the rock—it’s younger.

Front

Fossils in rock layers

Back

How environments and climates changed over time.

Front

Tropical vs. cold-weather plant fossils

Back

The region’s climate shifted—from warm to cold or vice versa.

Front

Finding rock salt under conglomerate

Back

The area was first a dry lake (salt), then became a beach/ocean (conglomerate).

Front

Granite cutting through rock formations

Back

The granite is youngest because it intruded after other layers formed.

Front

Water evaporation from ponds or oceans

Back

The Sun’s energy heats water molecules until they escape as vapor.

Front

Salinity when water evaporates

Back

Salinity increases—freshwater leaves, salt stays.

Front

Salinity when freshwater enters the ocean

Back

Salinity decreases—rain, rivers, or melting ice dilute salt.