1
The law of superposition tells us that
in undisturbed rock layers, the oldest rocks are on the bottom
A fault that cuts through a set of sedimentary layers is:
younger than the layers it cuts trough
Intrusions are formed when
magma pushes into older rock and cools
An unconformity is
a gap in the rock record due to erosion or non-deposition
Which principle states that features that cut though rocks are younger than the rocks they cut?
Law of cross-cutting relationships
A horizontal igneous intrusion is called:
sill
Which process forms sedimentary layers?
weathering and compaction of sediments
When comparing two stratigraphic columns from different locations, the best way to match layers is by:
fossil content
What does a disconformity indicate?
a horizontal break in the sequence
The youngest rock layer is found:
at the top of the undisturbed strata
Fossils are commonly found in:
sedimentary rocks
Which of the following is an index fossil characteristic?
existed for a long time and found widely
A lava flow is always:
younger than the rocks beneath it
Which best describes relative dating?
comparing the age of rocks and features
What type of fossil helps geologists correlate layers over large areas
index fossils
Which of the following is not a principle used in stratigraphy?
nuclear fusion
What principle says sediment layers originally form in horizontal layers?
original horizontality
Folding of rock layers can indicate:
tectonic stress
Radiometric dating is different from relative dating because it:
gives exact ages
Whe a rock layer has been eroded before newer layers form on top, it creates:
an unconformity