Geologic Time Flashcard

Front

What has happened to the temperature on Earth in the last 150 years?

Back

The temperature has increased.

Front

Which period represents the last 2 million years of geologic time?

Back

Quaternary.

Front

Approximately how old is Earth?

Back

Earth is approximately 4.56 billion years old.

Front

What does the Principle of Inclusions state?

Back

The Principle of Inclusions states that when small pieces of rock are embedded in another type of rock, the small pieces indicate the older rock layer.

Front

Which feature is the youngest in a geological diagram?

Back

The youngest feature is typically the igneous intrusion.

Front

What is the significance of the Quaternary period in geologic time?

Back

The Quaternary period is significant as it includes the most recent geological time, characterized by the development of humans and significant climate changes.

Front

Define 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 Fossil Succession?

Back

The Principle of Fossil Succession states that fossil organisms succeed one another in a definite and recognizable order, allowing for the identification of relative ages of rock layers.

Front

Explain the Principle of Cross-Cutting Relationships.

Back

The Principle of Cross-Cutting Relationships states that geological features, such as faults or igneous intrusions, that cut through other rocks are younger than the rocks they cut.

Front

What is the age of the Earth in millions of years?

Back

The age of the Earth is approximately 4,560 million years.