Relative Dating Worksheet
Explore the principles of relative dating in geology, including superposition, original horizontality, and cross-cutting relationships, to determine the sequence of geological events.
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Relative Dating Worksheet
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Use the provided diagram for questions related to geological layers.
1. Define relative dating in your own words. How does it differ from absolute dating?
Examine the image below showing geological layers. Answer the questions that follow based on the principles of relative dating.
2. According to the Principle of Superposition, which layer in the diagram is the oldest?
3. If an igneous intrusion cut through all the sedimentary layers in the diagram, what principle would you use to determine its relative age compared to the sedimentary layers?
4. The Principle of Original states that sedimentary layers are originally deposited in horizontal layers.
5. An is a break in the rock record, representing a period of erosion or non-deposition.
6. Which of the following principles states that geological features that cut across rock layers are younger than the layers they cut through?
Principle of Superposition
Principle of Original Horizontality
Principle of Cross-Cutting Relationships
Principle of Faunal Succession
7. Fossils can be used to help relatively date rock layers.
True
False
8. The Principle of Inclusions states that inclusions found in a rock are older than the rock itself.
True
False