Laws of Relative Rock Dating

According to the Law of Superposition, the oldest rock layers are found...

• at the top of the rock layers

• in the middle of the rock layers

• near an intrusion

• always at the bottom of the rock layers

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

When you determine the relative age of rock layers, you will use relative dating which is...

• any method of determining whether something is older or younger than something else.

• when magma cools or solidifies under the surface

• when lava cools on the surface

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

According to the Law of Superposition which letter represents the oldest layer?

• E

• D

• C

• B

• A

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Analyze the seashell found in the white layer. Which statement is true of the rock layer that contains this fossil?

• The white layer could also contain a fossil from the top layer and the bottom layer

• The white layer is younger than the layers above it.

• The white layer is older than the layers above it.

• The white layer is older than the layers below it.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The geologic cross section diagram shows undisturbed rock layers with index fossils from two regions (A and B). The two index species are identified in the index fossil key. Which answer option correctly describes the relative ages of the rock layers in the diagram?

• • Layer 6 is older than Layer 3.
  • Layer 2 is younger than Layer 4.

• • Layer 6 is older than Layer 3.
  • Layers 2 and 4 are the same age.

• • Layer 6 is younger than layer 3.
  • Layers 2 and 4 are the same age.

• • Layer is younger than layer 3.
  • Layer 2 is older than layer 4.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The geologic cross section diagram shows undisturbed rock layers with index fossils from two regions (A and B). The two index species are identified in the index fossil key. Which answer option correctly describes the relative ages of the rock layers in the diagram?

• • Layer 6 is older than Layer 3.
  • Layer 2 is younger than Layer 4.

• • Layer 6 is older than Layer 3.
  • Layers 2 and 4 are the same age.

• • Layer 6 is younger than layer 3.
  • Layers 2 and 4 are the same age.

• • Layer is younger than layer 3.
  • Layer 2 is older than layer 4.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What is the oldest layer in the outcrop?

• B

• C

• D

• E

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which rock layer is the youngest?

• A

• B

• D

• F

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Is the intrusion (letter F) older or younger than the surrounding layers?

• older

• younger

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Is the bone fossil older or younger than the intrusion?

• older

• younger

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3