Relative Dating Worksheet
This worksheet covers key concepts of relative dating, including principles of stratigraphy, superposition, original horizontality, cross-cutting relationships, and unconformities.
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Relative Dating Worksheet
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Refer to the provided diagrams where applicable.
1. Which principle states that in an undisturbed sequence of sedimentary strata, the oldest layer is at the bottom and the youngest is at the top?
Principle of Original Horizontality
Principle of Superposition
Principle of Cross-Cutting Relationships
Principle of Faunal Succession
2. An igneous intrusion that cuts through existing layers of sedimentary rock is always younger than the layers it cuts through. This is an example of the:
Principle of Superposition
Principle of Original Horizontality
Principle of Cross-Cutting Relationships
Principle of Inclusions
3. An represents a gap in the geologic record, often due to erosion or a period of non-deposition.
4. The Principle of states that sedimentary layers are originally deposited in horizontal beds.
5. Observe the diagram below. Arrange the geologic features from oldest to youngest. Justify your answer using relevant principles of relative dating.
6. The Principle of Inclusions states that fragments of rock that are included within another rock layer are younger than the rock layer they are found in.
True
False
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