Geology Flashcards
Relative Age
Age rocks compared to other rocks
Relative Age Type
Superposition
Layers of sedimentary rock
- Bottom = oldest
- Top = youngest
Relative Age Type
Original Horizontality
Rock layers horizontal even if later tilted/curved –> superposition
Relative Age Type
Lateral Continuity
Rock layers cont. in all directions even if gap –> superposition
Relative Age Type
Inclusions
Small rock inside bigger rock
- Inclusions = older
- Big rock = younger
Relatve Age Type
Cross Cutting Relationships
Fault/crack cuts across rock layers = younger than rock layers
What clues can tell scientists about the past?
Fossils
- ## Remains ancient living things now in stone
What clues can tell scientists about the past?
Mass Extinction
- Many species become extinct short period of time
Caused by catastrophic events: - Global Temp. Change
- Asteroid Strike
- Change in Resources
- Volanic Activity
How can geologists oragnize rock ages when there are gaps?
Uncomformity
- Gaps/breaks in rock layer caused by erosion, plate tectonics, weathering
How can geologists organize rock ages when there are gaps?
Correlate
- Match rock layers on either side of gap based on rock type/fossils
How can geologists organize rock ages when there are gaps?
Index Fossil
- Type of fossil
3 Rules: - Abundant
- Short period of time (only in few layers)
- Many locations
How can geologists organize rock ages when there are gaps?
Key Beds
- Rock layers formed from major event
- Event place –> find relative age of rocks around it