Relative vs Absolute Dating in Geologic Strata

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What is the process used to determine the age of the fossil found underneath the layer of volcanic rock?

Half-life dating
Radiometric dating (correct)
Relative dating
Absolute dating

What is the half-life of Uranium 238 to Lead 206 used in radiometric dating?

1.52 million years
4.5 years
5,730 years
4.5 million years (correct)

Which isotope pair has a half-life of 5,730 years and is commonly used in radiometric dating?

Beryllium 10 to Boron 10
Carbon-14 to Nitrogen-14 (correct)
Potassium-40 to Argon-40
Uranium 238 to Lead 206

What is the ratio of Beryllium 10 to Boron 10 found in the volcanic rock layer above the fossil?

1:32 (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is radiometric dating much more powerful for igneous rocks than sedimentary rocks?

Igneous rocks contain radioactive isotopes that can be used for dating. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for mentioning the Cambrian explosion, Permian extinction, and Cretaceous-Tertiary extinction?

To explain the key boundary dates for the major eras. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of plate tectonics in relation to earthquakes?

Continental drift caused by plate tectonics can lead to seismic activity. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main implication of sediments being dated when lava flows are found in the same layer?

It allows for accurate dating of both the sediments and the lava flows. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the variation in sea levels over time?

Fluctuations in global climate due to continental drift and volcanic activity. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of banded iron formations in relation to oxygen levels and geologic time?

They indicate a rapid increase in oxygen levels precipitating iron oxide from the ocean. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main consequence of carbon dioxide removal hypothesized to have caused near-total ice ages?

The loss of greenhouse gases led to freezing of most of the Earth's oceans. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by high C13:C12 ratios in rocks?

An increase in C13:C12 ratios due to photosynthesis accumulating C12 isotopes. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main implication of sediments being dated when lava flows are found in the same layer?

It allows for accurate dating of both the sediments and the lava flows. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What evidence supports the hypothesis of near-total ice ages during the Neoproterozoic period?

Glacial origin rock formations at low latitude and high C13:C12 ratios. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Who is the instructor for the Thursday morning class?

Shari Zimmerman (C) Signup and view all the answers

At which time does the Wednesday night class begin?

6:30 pm (A) Signup and view all the answers

Where are the labs held?

Science Building B-241 (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the email address of the instructor for the Wednesday morning class?

<a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> (B) Signup and view all the answers

Who is the contact person for the textbook?

Marta J. Laskowski (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are the office hours of Dr. Mitchell Baker?

Monday 10-12 (C) Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the final grade does the lecture material contribute to?

60% (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the total percentage of the laboratory work evaluation component in the final grade?

5% (B) Signup and view all the answers

What could result in a failing course grade and possibly dismissal from the institution?

Plagiarism and cheating (D) Signup and view all the answers

What should students do to avoid being accused of plagiarism?

Paraphrase using their own words and provide proper citations in the bibliography (C) Signup and view all the answers

What did John Walsh's appointment to the United States Senate offer the Democratic Party?

A seasoned military veteran (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was John Walsh's previous role in Montana?

Adjutant General of the National Guard (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did John Walsh contribute to his state's National Guard?

He led military operations (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the consequences of carbon dioxide removal hypothesized to have caused near-total ice ages?

Release of methane gas from permafrost (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of plate tectonics in relation to earthquakes?

It affects the distribution of earthquakes (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized as a word of caution regarding academic violations?

Plagiarism and cheating (A) Signup and view all the answers

Radiometric dating

A method used to determine the age of fossils by analyzing the decay of radioactive isotopes.

Half-life

The time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay into another element.