Law of Superposition Worksheet
Explore the Law of Superposition, basic principles of stratigraphy, and how it helps us understand Earth's history through rock layers for Grade 6 science.
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Law of Superposition Worksheet
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Refer to the diagram of rock layers as needed.
The Law of Superposition states that in undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest layers are at the top.
1. According to the Law of Superposition, which rock layer in the diagram above is the oldest?
2. Which rock layer is the youngest?
3. What does 'undisturbed' mean when talking about rock layers?
The layers have been moved by humans.
The layers have not been folded, faulted, or overturned.
The layers are all made of the same material.
The layers are very thin.
4. Why is the Law of Superposition important to geologists?
It helps them predict the weather.
It helps them understand the order of events in Earth's history.
It tells them how much water is in the ocean.
It explains how volcanoes erupt.
5. The Law of Superposition applies to all rock layers, even if they have been overturned.
True
False
6. Fossils found in lower rock layers are generally older than fossils found in upper rock layers.
True
False
7. The Law of Superposition helps us determine the age of rock layers.
8. Geologists use the Law of Superposition to reconstruct Earth's over millions of years.
9. Imagine you are digging a hole and find several distinct layers of soil and rock. How would you use the Law of Superposition to determine the relative ages of these layers?