Fossils
If a scientist found a shell fossil in a desert, what might that mean?
There once was water there.
What is continental drift?
The gradual movement of the continents across the earth's surface through geological time.
Why are metamorphic rocks known as "changing form"?
Why are scientists studying fossils so interested in the rock layers in which they can be found?
The rock layer in which the fossil is found will help determine the age of the fossil.
If the continents continue to drift apart every single year, what might happen to the continents eventually?
All of the continents will most likely collide again to form one continent.
How are igneous rocks formed?
They are formed by the cooling of molten magma on the earth's surface.
The Law of ___________ states that when looking at sedimentary rock, the layer on the top is the oldest, and the layer on the top is the newest.
Law of Superposition
What is a realistic estimate about how far the continents continue to drift apart from each other every year?
5 centimeters per year.
How are sedimentary rocks formed?
Sedimentary rocks are formed when sediments such as; sand, mud, pebbles, and shells join together and form layers.
Create a simile or a metaphor to help explain how you determined the order of the rock layers. You could use the following sentence frame:
*Answers will vary*
Ex: Determining the age of the rock layers is like looking at the layers of a cake.
-The matching coastlines of Continents
-The direction of glacial scraping
-Fossils of extinct animals separated by oceans
What is weathering?
Weathering is the process of rocks being broken down by weathering agents such as wind, water, and rain.
What is an index fossil?
Pangea
What is Erosion?
Erosion is when bits of rock are carried away and transported to a new location.