Rock Layers Worksheet
Explore the principles of stratigraphy and relative dating through various questions on rock layers.
Includes
Standards
Topics
Rock Layers: Exploring Earth's History
Name:
Date:
Score:
Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Use the provided image to help answer some questions.
1. Which principle states that in an undisturbed sequence of sedimentary rock, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest layers are at the top?
Principle of Cross-Cutting Relationships
Principle of Superposition
Principle of Original Horizontality
Principle of Faunal Succession
2. What type of rock is typically formed in layers?
Igneous rock
Metamorphic rock
Sedimentary rock
All of the above
3. Observe the image below. Which rock layer is the oldest and which is the youngest? Justify your answer.
4. The process by which sediments are compressed and cemented together to form sedimentary rock is called .
5. Fossils are most commonly found in rock layers.
6. An intrusion that cuts across existing rock layers is always than the layers it cuts through.
7. The Principle of Original Horizontality states that sedimentary layers are originally deposited horizontally.
True
False
8. Relative dating determines the exact age of a rock layer in years.
True
False
Match the term with its definition.
9. Stratigraphy
a. The study of rock layers and layering
10. Unconformity
b. A break in the geologic record
11. Relative Dating
c. Determining the order of events without knowing their exact age