Law of Superposition Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the Law of Superposition?

The principle that each layer of sedimentary rock is older than the layer above it. (correct)

A type of rock formed from particles or remains of organisms.

A technique to determine the actual age of fossils.

A record of geologic events and life forms.

What is sedimentary rock?

A type of rock that forms when particles from other rocks or the remains of plants and animals are pressed and cemented together.

What is a fossil?

A trace of an ancient organism that has been preserved in rock.

What is relative dating?

Any method of determining whether an event or object is older or younger than other events or objects. Signup and view all the answers

What is absolute dating?

A technique used to determine the actual age of a fossil. Signup and view all the answers

What is an index fossil?

A fossil known to have lived in a particular geologic age that can be used to date the rock layer in which it is found. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Geologic Time Column represent?

A record of the geologic events and life forms in Earth's history. Signup and view all the answers

What is seafloor spreading?

The process that creates new sea floor as plates move away from each other at mid-ocean ridges. Signup and view all the answers

What is continental drift?

The theory that states that the continents once formed a single landmass, broke up, and drifted to their present locations. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Law of Superposition

A principle in geology that determines the relative ages of sedimentary rock layers.
In horizontal layers, each layer is older than the one above it and younger than the one below.
The youngest layer is at the top and the oldest is at the bottom.

Sedimentary Rock

Formed through the compaction and cementation of particles from existing rocks or organic materials.
Key components include minerals, fragments of other rocks, and biological remains.

Fossil

Represents preserved remains or traces of ancient living organisms found in sedimentary rock.
Provides critical information about past life forms and the environment.

Relative Dating

Involves determining the age of an object or event in relation to others.
Does not provide exact dates but rather sequences in geological history.

Absolute Dating

Involves techniques that assess the actual age of fossils or rock layers.
Uses methods like radiometric dating to pinpoint specific ages.

Index Fossil

Refers to fossils of organisms known to have existed during a specific geological time frame.
Useful for dating and correlating the age of rock layers across different locations.

Geologic Time Column

A visual representation of Earth's geological history, outlining major events and life forms.
Helps establish the timeline of Earth's evolution and major geological changes.

Seafloor Spreading

A geological process where new oceanic crust forms at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates diverge.
Contributes to the movement of continents and the overall structure of the Earth’s crust.

Continental Drift

A theory proposing that continents were once part of a single landmass that fragmented and drifted apart.
Explains the geographical distribution of continents and related geological phenomena.

Description

Explore key concepts related to the Law of Superposition through engaging flashcards. This quiz highlights important terminology and definitions in geology, particularly focusing on sedimentary rocks and fossils. Perfect for students looking to enhance their understanding of geological principles.