Relative Dating Principles

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Questions and Answers

An igneous intrusion cuts through several layers of sedimentary rock. Which principle of relative dating is most applicable for determining the age relationship between the intrusion and the sedimentary layers?

  • The Principle of Superposition
  • The Principle of Cross-cutting Relationships (correct)
  • The Principle of Lateral Continuity
  • The Principle of Original Horizontality

A geologist observes a series of sedimentary rock layers. The bottom layer contains inclusions of granite. Which conclusion can be made using the Principle of Inclusions?

  • The granite is older than the sedimentary layer. (correct)
  • The age of the granite cannot be determined relative to the sedimentary layer without absolute dating methods.
  • The granite is the same age as the sedimentary layer.
  • The granite is younger than the sedimentary layer.

Which of the following scenarios would present the greatest challenge when applying relative dating techniques?

  • A region with frequent seismic activity causing minor faults.
  • An area with significant unconformities. (correct)
  • A continuous sequence of undisturbed sedimentary layers.
  • A landscape with a high density of fossilized organisms.

A planet has a surface with a high density of impact craters. According to relative dating principles, what can be inferred about the age of the planet's surface?

<p>The surface is relatively old. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a sequence of sedimentary rocks, a geologist identifies a layer showing evidence of baked contacts with an overlying igneous intrusion. According to the principles of relative dating, what can be concluded?

<p>The sedimentary layer is older than the igneous intrusion. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Relative Dating

Estimating the age of geological structures by comparing their positions relative to each other.

Uniformitarianism

Rock processes occurring today are the same as those that occurred in the past.

Original Horizontality

Rock strata are initially laid down in horizontal layers.

Cross-Cutting Relationships

Rock layers that cut across other formations are younger than those they intersect.

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Unconformity

A surface of erosion or non-deposition that separates younger strata from older rocks.

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Study Notes

  • Relative dating estimates a structure's age by comparing its physical relationship to surrounding geological features.

Principles of Relative Dating

  • The Principle of Uniformitarianism posits current rock processes mirror those of the past.
  • The Principle of Original Horizontality states rock strata are initially deposited in horizontal layers. This principle applies to sedimentary rocks only.
  • The Principle of Lateral Continuity says continuous layers, even when separated by a valley, are still the same layer.
  • The Principle of Superposition means higher rock layers are younger than lower ones.
  • The Principle of Cross-cutting Relationships establishes that rocks cutting across formations are younger than the rocks they intersect.
  • The Principle of Inclusions says inclusions within rocks are older than the surrounding rock.
  • The Principle of Baked Contacts indicates rocks with heat markings are older than the adjacent igneous rock.

Applications and Complications

  • Relative dating can determine the sequence of geologic events and document change using fossils in layers.
  • Relative dating also helps to determine environmental changes over time based on the location and type of geologic formation,
  • Absolute dating uses radioactive isotope decay for precise quantitative age determination.
  • An unconformity, a disruption between discontinuous rock layers, complicates relative dating.

Types of Unconformities

  • Disconformity occurs between parallel rock layers.
  • Nonconformity occurs on top of igneous or metamorphic rock.
  • Angular conformity occurs on top of tilted or folded rock layers.

Solar System Dating

  • Relative dating can estimate the sequence of ages between bodies in our solar system.
  • Planets with more impact craters are relatively older.

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