Relative Age or Absolute Age
Principles of Relative Age
Order of Geologic Events
100

My brother's birthday is on January 26th.

What is Absolute Age?

100

This principle states that sediment is deposited in horizontal layers.

What is Original Horizontality?

100

Which of these geologic features formed first?

Feature C.

200

My brother is older than me.

What is Relative Age?

200

This principle states that in undisturbed rock layers, the oldest rock can be found at the bottom.

What is Superposition?

200

Which of these geologic features are youngest?

Feature E.

300

I woke up at 5:30am.

What is Absolute Age?

300

This principle states that sediment is deposited in long continuous sheets in all lateral directions.

What is Lateral Continuity?

300

Is feature E older, or is feature D older?

Feature D.

400

I went to the store and bought 2 pieces of pizza and 1 drink before going home.

What is Relative Age?

400

This principle says that the smaller rocks found inside of another rock are older than the rock they are found inside of.

What is the principle of Inclusion?

400

What feature is the 3rd oldest?

Feature A.

500

I went to the store after lunch, then I got home around 6:00pm.

What is Relative Age and Absolute Age?

500

This principle states that a geologic feature that cuts across other features is younger than the features it cuts across.

What is Cross-Cutting Relationships?

500

What is the correct order of events for these geologic features?

C, B, A, D, E