5.1: Understanding Relative Age of Rocks

In undisturbed rock layers, where are the oldest rocks typically found?

• At the top

• At the bottom

• In the middle

• Scattered throughout

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What is the term used to describe the age of rocks compared to other rocks?

• Absolute age

• Relative age

• Chronological age

• Geological age

According to the principle of original horizontality, how are most rock layers initially deposited?

• Vertically

• Diagonally

• Horizontally

• Randomly

Which principle states that rock layers are deposited in large, continuous sheets?

• Superposition

• Original Horizontality

• Lateral Continuity

• Cross-Cutting Relationships

If a rock contains pieces of another rock, which is older?

• The rock containing the pieces

• The pieces within the rock

• Both are the same age

• It cannot be determined

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What does the principle of superposition help geologists determine?

• The chemical composition of rocks

• The relative age of rock layers

• The absolute age of rocks

• The mineral content of rocks

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which principle is used to determine that if one geologic feature cuts across another, the feature that is cut is older?

• Superposition

• Original Horizontality

• Inclusions

• Cross-Cutting Relationships

What does the principle of lateral continuity suggest about rock layers?

• They are always found in small, isolated patches

• They extend in all directions until they thin out or meet a barrier

• They are only found in horizontal layers

• They are deposited vertically

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What is the principle that suggests younger rock layers are deposited on top of older ones?

• Cross-Cutting Relationships

• Original Horizontality

• Superposition

• Lateral Continuity

Which principle helps geologists understand that rock layers extend laterally in all directions?

• Lateral Continuity

• Cross-Cutting Relationships

• Original Horizontality

• Superposition