Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are the three main principles that underlie the interpretation of geologic time, as devised by Nicholas Steno?
What are the three main principles that underlie the interpretation of geologic time, as devised by Nicholas Steno?
The principle of superposition, the principle of horizontality, the principle of original lateral continuity
What is the study of layered rock known as?
What is the study of layered rock known as?
Stratigraphy
Who proposed that all rocks came from the ocean environment?
Who proposed that all rocks came from the ocean environment?
Abraham Gottlob Werner
What is the process of determining the age of a rock or fossil based on its decay rate of radioactive isotopes called?
What is the process of determining the age of a rock or fossil based on its decay rate of radioactive isotopes called?
What term is used for fossils that are used to define and identify geologic periods?
What term is used for fossils that are used to define and identify geologic periods?
What type of organism are trilobites, often used as index fossils?
What type of organism are trilobites, often used as index fossils?
What does 'relative age' mean in terms of dating rocks?
What does 'relative age' mean in terms of dating rocks?
What is the process called when all six of the original stratigraphic principles are applied to determine the age of a rock?
What is the process called when all six of the original stratigraphic principles are applied to determine the age of a rock?
According to the principles of original horizontality and superposition, where is the oldest rock usually found?
According to the principles of original horizontality and superposition, where is the oldest rock usually found?
How do scientists use species, composition, or texture to determine the age of rocks?
How do scientists use species, composition, or texture to determine the age of rocks?
What is the main goal of Darwin's 'Origin of Species' work?
What is the main goal of Darwin's 'Origin of Species' work?
What is the significance of trilobites as index fossils in relative age dating?
What is the significance of trilobites as index fossils in relative age dating?
What are the three types of unconformities that help determine relative ages of rock layers?
What are the three types of unconformities that help determine relative ages of rock layers?
Explain how angular unconformity is formed in relative age dating.
Explain how angular unconformity is formed in relative age dating.
What does a nonconformity in relative age dating indicate?
What does a nonconformity in relative age dating indicate?
How can relative ages be determined using Lyell’s principle of cross-cutting relationships?
How can relative ages be determined using Lyell’s principle of cross-cutting relationships?
What is biostratigraphy, and how is it used in relative age dating?
What is biostratigraphy, and how is it used in relative age dating?
Why are trilobites considered useful as index fossils?
Why are trilobites considered useful as index fossils?
