Relative Age Dating

Question 1

The principle that in undisturbed rock layers, the oldest rocks are on the bottom.

Answer 1

Superposition

Question 2

Most rock-forming materials are deposited in horizontal layers.

Answer 2

Original Horizontality

Question 3

Sediments are deposited in large, continuous sheets in all lateral directions.

Answer 3

Lateral Continuity

Question 4

A piece of an older rock that becomes part of a new rock.

Answer 4

Inclusion

Question 5

If one geologic feature cuts across another feature, the feature it cuts across is older (P. 339).

Answer 5

Cross-Cutting Relationships

Question 6

A surface where rock has eroded away, producing a break, or gap, in the rock record.

Answer 6

Unconformities

Question 7

The age of rocks and geologic features compared with other rocks and features nearby.

Answer 7

Relative Age

Question 8

Younger sedimentary layers are deposited on top of older, horizontal sedimentary layers that have been eroded.

Answer 8

Disconformity

Question 9

Sedimentary layers are deposited on top of tilted or folded sedimentary layers that have been eroded.

Answer 9

Angular Unconformity

Question 10

Younger sedimentary layers are deposited on older igneous or metamorphic rock layers that have been eroded

Answer 10

Nonconformity

Question 11

Matching rocks and fossils from separate locations.

Answer 11

Correlation

Question 12

Represent species that existed on Earth for a short length of time, were abundant, and inhabited many locations.

Answer 12

Index Fossils