Principles of Relative-Age Dating in Geology
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Questions and Answers

According to the principle of inclusions, what can be concluded if one rock contains pieces of another rock?

  • The rocks are of the same age.
  • The rock containing the pieces is older than the pieces.
  • The rock containing the pieces is younger than the pieces. (correct)
  • The rocks cannot be dated accurately.
  • Which rock layer is considered the youngest in a sequence where there is a fault cutting through both an intrusion and rock layers?

  • The lowermost rock layer
  • The intrusion
  • The uppermost rock layer
  • The fault (correct)
  • What does it mean for a rock layer to be 'intruded'?

  • The rock layer is younger than the surrounding rocks.
  • The rock layer is formed by erosion.
  • The rock layer contains fossils.
  • Magma has entered or forced its way into the rock layer. (correct)
  • Based on the information provided, what can be inferred about a rock layer with many inclusions?

    <p>It is likely to be younger.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If a fault cuts across a rock layer and an intrusion, which of the following statements is true?

    <p>The fault is younger than both the rock layer and the intrusion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do inclusions in rocks suggest about their relative ages?

    <p>They suggest that the rock containing inclusions is older.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'Horizontal' as an adjective in geology refers to which characteristic of a formation?

    <p>Flat and level orientation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'Lateral' as derived from Latin lateralis means:

    <p>'Belonging to the side'</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'Disturb' as a verb in scientific vocabulary specifically means:

    <p>'To change position or order'</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'Magma' as a noun refers to:

    <p>'A form of igneous rock'</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Principles of Relative-Age Dating

    • The principle of superposition states that in undisturbed rock layers, the oldest rocks are on the bottom and each layer is younger than the layer below it.
    • The principle of original horizontality states that most rock-forming materials are deposited in horizontal layers, and if the layers are tilted or folded, they were originally deposited horizontally.

    Principles of Rock Formation

    • The principle of lateral continuity states that sediments are deposited in large, flat sheets that continue in all lateral directions until they thin out or meet a barrier.
    • The principle of cross-cutting relationships states that if one geologic feature cuts across another feature, the feature that it cuts across is older.

    Faults and Inclusions

    • A fracture is a break in a rock formation, and if rocks move along a fracture line, the fracture is called a fault.
    • If one rock contains pieces of another rock, the rock containing the pieces is younger than the pieces, according to the principle of inclusions.

    Geologic Time

    • Nicolaus Steno developed a set of principles to compare the ages of rock layers, known as Steno's principles, which include superposition, original horizontality, lateral continuity, and cross-cutting relationships.
    • Modern geologists have added a fifth principle, the principle of inclusions, to the principles of relative-age dating.

    Vocabulary

    • Disturb: to change the position or order of something
    • Horizontal: flat and level
    • Lateral: from Latin lateralis, means “belonging to the side”
    • Intrusion: the entry of magma into or between rock formations; the igneous rock formed
    • Magma: molten rock inside Earth

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    Description

    Learn about the principles of relative-age dating in geology, including the original horizontality principle and how rock layers can be deformed or disturbed. Understand how to determine the relative ages of rock layers based on their positions and characteristics.

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