Dating Methods in Geology

Which type of dating method can be used on rock layers by applying the Law of Superposition?

• relative dating

• absolute dating

• radioactive dating

• radiometric dating

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The ________ states that layers of sediment were originally deposited horizontally under the action of gravity.

• law of superposition
• principle of original horizontality

• uniformitarianism
• unconformities

According to the law of superposition, the oldest fossils are found

• At the top of the rock layers

• Near the bottom of the rock layers

• In the middle of the rock layers

• Somewhat near the surface

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The original, unstable isotope that undergoes radioactive decay is known as the...

• daughter isotope

• half-life

• parent isotope

• carbon-14

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

The stable decayed isotope that undergoes radioactive decay is known as the...

• daughter isotope

• half-life

• parent isotope

• carbon-14

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

What happens during radioactive decay?

• A stable isotope of one element changes into an unstable isotope of a different element

• A stable isotope of one element changes into an unstable isotope of the same element

• An unstable isotope of one element changes into a stable isotope of a different element

• An unstable isotope of one element changes into a stable isotope of the same element

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

In the rock layer diagram to the right, there are two unconformities, a fault at E and an intrusion at D. Which unconformity occurred first? How do you know?

• Intrusion D occurred first because the intrusion has been moved by the fault.

• The fault occurred first because it has moved the intrusion D.

• Intrusion D occurred first because it can be seen in all of the rock layers.

• Fault E occurred first because it is a normal fault.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

The cross section below shows four rock units, A, B, C, and D. Which rock unit is oldest in age?

• Unit A

• Unit B

• Unit C

• Unit D

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

In general, the Law of Superposition states that in an undisturbed sequence of sedimentary rocks, each layer is

• About the same age

• Older than the one below it

• Older than the one above it

• Thicker than the one above it

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which principle of relative dating states that a fault or igneous intrusion is younger than any other body of rock that it cuts through?

• Law of Superposition

• Principle of Inclusions

• Principle of Original Horizontality

• Principle of Crosscutting Relationships

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4