Determining geological ages

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Determining geological ages"

Transcription

1

2 Determining geological ages Relative ages placing rocks and geologic events in their proper sequence, oldest to youngest. Absolute dates define the actual numerical age of a particular geologic event. For example, large dinosaurs died out 65 mya. The Lavas along Rt 22 and Rt 78 were deposited about 205 mya.

3 Relative Age Dating assigns a non-specific age to a rock, rock layer or fossil based on its position in the Strata relative to other rocks, rock layers or fossils.

4 Relative Age Dating is based on a list of principles or rules.

5 Law of Uniformitarianism. The physical, chemical, and biological laws that govern processes today have remained constant throughout time.

6 Law of superposition Developed by Nicolaus Steno in 1669 In an undeformed sequence of sedimentary or volcanic rocks the oldest rocks are at the base; the youngest are at the top

7 Principle of Superposition

8 Superposition illustrated by strata in the Grand Canyon

9 Principle of original horizontality Layers of sediment are originally deposited horizontally (flat strata have not been disturbed by folding, faulting)

10

11 Principle of cross-cutting relationships An Igneous rock is always younger than the rock layer that it has intruded or cuts across.

12 Principle of cross-cutting relationships

13 Principle of Cross-Cutting Relationships The dike is youngest because it cuts across layers 1-4 Layer 1 is the oldest rock layer

14 Cross-cutting Relationship with multiple overlapping intrusions

15 Erosional Features and Faults that cut across rock layers are always younger.

16 Example of Law of Cross-Cutting Relationships Which came first, the rock layers or the faults?

17 Cross-cutting Normal Fault

18 The Law of Inclusion, states that rocks that are embedded in another rock must be older than the rock in which it is found.

19 Inclusion

20 Examples of Law of Inclusions

21 Inclusion- Conglomerate fragments in overlying Shale

22 Inclusion-Granite fragments included in overlying Shale

23 Inclusion- Shale fragments imbedded in Granite intrusion

24

25 Another method of examining the Geologic Record involved examining instances where rock layers are missing (Unconformities).

26 The processes that would bring about the removal of these missing layers require large amounts of time.

27 Unconformities (loss of rock record) An unconformity is a break in the rock record produced by erosion and/or nondeposition Types of unconformities Nonconformity sedimentary rocks deposited above metamorphic or igneous rocks (basement) with time lost Angular unconformity tilted rocks overlain by flat-lying rocks Disconformity strata on either side of the unconformity are parallel (but time is lost)

28 Layered sedimentary rocks Nonconformity Metamorphic rock (a) 8_9 Igneous intrusive rock Younger sedimentary rocks Angular unconformity Older, folded sedimentary rocks (b) (c) Disconformity Brachiopod (290 million years old) Trilobite (490 million years old)

29 Formation of an angular unconformity

30 Angular Unconformity Angular Unconformity Erosional Surface

31 Horizontal younger sediments over tilted older sediments Cambrian Tapeats sandstone over Precambrian Unkar Group What type of unconformity is this? Grand Canyon in Arizona

32 Angular Unconformity

33 Angular Unconformity, Siccar Point, Scotland

34

35

36 Disconformity

37 Development of a Nonconformity An intrusion occurs The overburden is eroded away Pennsylvanian sandstone over Precambrian granite is a nonconformity Sea level rises, new sediment is deposited

38 Nonconformity- Sedimentary Rock layers over older Igneous or Metamorphic

39 Nonconformity in the Grand Canyon - Sediments deposited over Schist

40 Cross Cutting Relationships in strata Zoroaster Granite across Vishnu Schist

41 Rock Layer Correlation Correlation is the matching of rock layers from one area to another. Matching rocks in different locations due to their similar characteristics Key Beds Stratigraphic Matching Using Index Fossils (fossils that lived and died in one particular geologic time) to match rock layers

42 Correlating Rock age using Index Fossils and Stratigraphic Matching

43 Correlation of rock layers Matching strata of similar ages in different regions is called correlation

44 Correlation of strata in southwestern United States Sections are incomplete Match with fossils and lithology

45

46 NYS Regents Exam diagram

47 Index Fossil Requirements Index Fossils must be easy to identify have been very abundant have lived in a wide geographic area have existed for a short geologic time (ie: someone s picture in a yearbook)

48

49 Absolute Age Dating

50 Radiometric Dating- Proportion of Parent to Daughter Isotopes To get amount of parent material for each half-life, know that after one half-life, you have ½ of parent isotope left, then double your

51 Radioactive Dating- Half Life

52 Half Life The original isotope is called the parent The new isotope is known as the daughter isotope Produced by radioactive decay All parent isotopes decay to their daughter isotope at a specific and unique rate Based on this decay rate, it takes a certain period of time for one half of the parent isotope to decay to its daughter product Half life the time it takes for half of the atoms in the isotope to decay

53 Tree Ring Chronology (Dendrochronology)

54 Comparison with known tree ring sequences Can go back 10,000+ years Based on living and fossil wood Paleoclimate information Paleohydrology Archeology.

55 EX: The half life of C-14 is 5,730 years So it will take 5,730 years for half of the C-14 atoms in an object to change into N-14 atoms So in another 5,730 years, how many atoms will be turned into N-14? HALF LIFE In another 5,730 years, another half of the remaining atoms will degrade to N-14, and so on. So after 2 half lives, one forth of the original C-14 atoms remain After 3 half lives, one eighth of the original C-14 atoms still remain Keeping cutting in half

56 Radiocarbon Dating C-14 is useful for dating bones, wood and charcoal up to 75,000 yo Living things take in C from the environment to make their bodies Most is C-12 but some is C-14 The ratio of these two types in the enviro is always the same By studying the ratio in an organism it can be compared to the ratio in the environment presently

Before the 1700 s, scientists thought that the Earth was only 6,000 years old. This mindset was based on biblical references.

Before the 1700 s, scientists thought that the Earth was only 6,000 years old. This mindset was based on biblical references. Before the 1700 s, scientists thought that the Earth was only 6,000 years old. This mindset was based on biblical references. However, as scientists began to better understand the processes that shape

More information

Before the 1700 s, scientists thought that the Earth was only 6,000 years old. This mindset was based on biblical references.

Before the 1700 s, scientists thought that the Earth was only 6,000 years old. This mindset was based on biblical references. Before the 1700 s, scientists thought that the Earth was only 6,000 years old. This mindset was based on biblical references. However, as scientists began to better understand the processes that shape

More information

Exploring Geology Chapter 9 Geologic Time

Exploring Geology Chapter 9 Geologic Time Exploring Geology Chapter 9 Geologic Time Copyright The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display. Chapter 9: Geologic Time Stratigraphic Principles Relative Age Dating

More information

Timing of Geologic Events. Geologic Time Terms. Laws / Principles of Stratigraphy

Timing of Geologic Events. Geologic Time Terms. Laws / Principles of Stratigraphy Geologic Time Terms Hadean Archean Proterozoic Phanerozoic Paleozoic Mesozoic Cenozoic(Tertiary) Cambrian Unconformity Angular unconformity Half-life Alpha particle Beta particle Gamma ray Neutron UT How

More information

Earth Science 11: Geologic Time Unit

Earth Science 11: Geologic Time Unit Earth Science 11: Geologic Time Unit Text: Chapters 8 Lab: Exercise 6 Name Earth Science 11: Geologic Time Page 1 Geology 12: Geologic Time 8.1: The Geologic Time Scale Today, we know that Earth is approximately

More information

GEOLOGICAL TIME / DATING TECHNIQUES

GEOLOGICAL TIME / DATING TECHNIQUES DATE DUE: INSTRUCTOR: TERRY J. BOROUGHS Geology 305 NAME: SECTION: GEOLOGICAL TIME / DATING TECHNIQUES Instructions: Read each question carefully before selecting the BEST answer. Provide specific and

More information

Geologic Time Essentials of Geology, 11th edition, Chapter 18 Geologic Time: summary in haiku form Key Concepts Determining geological ages

Geologic Time Essentials of Geology, 11th edition, Chapter 18 Geologic Time: summary in haiku form Key Concepts Determining geological ages 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Geologic Time Essentials of Geology, 11 th edition, Chapter 18 Geologic Time: summary in haiku form Superposition and horizontality tell stories in rocks. Key

More information

Lecture 10 Constructing the geological timescale

Lecture 10 Constructing the geological timescale Lecture 10 Constructing the geological timescale Geologic Time Discovering the magnitude of the Earth s past was a momentous development in the history of humanity This discovery forever altered our perception

More information

11/5/2015. Creating a Time Scale - Relative Dating Principles. Creating a Time Scale - Relative Dating Principles. The Geologic Time Scale

11/5/2015. Creating a Time Scale - Relative Dating Principles. Creating a Time Scale - Relative Dating Principles. The Geologic Time Scale GEOL 110: PHYSICAL GEOLOGY Why is the Geologic Time Scale important? Rocks record geologic and evolutionary changes throughout Earth s history Without a time perspective, events have little meaning Chapter

More information

Deep Time: How Old Is Old?

Deep Time: How Old Is Old? Deep Time: How Old Is Old? Updated by: Rick Oches, Professor of Geology & Environmental Sciences Bentley University Waltham, Massachusetts Based on slides prepared by: Ronald L. Parker, Senior Geologist

More information

GEOLOGICAL TIME / DATING TECHNIQUES

GEOLOGICAL TIME / DATING TECHNIQUES DATE DUE: INSTRUCTOR: TERRY J. BOROUGHS Geology 305 NAME: SECTION: GEOLOGICAL TIME / DATING TECHNIQUES Instructions: Read each question carefully before selecting the BEST answer. Provide specific and

More information

geologic age of Earth - about 4.6 billion years

geologic age of Earth - about 4.6 billion years Geologic Time Geologic Time geologic age of Earth - about 4.6 billion years Geologic Time very difficult to appreciate from our human perspective necessary to understand history of Earth two basic ways

More information

Geologic Time: Concepts and Principles

Geologic Time: Concepts and Principles Geologic Time: Concepts and Principles Introduction - An appreciation for the immensity of geologic time is essential for understanding the history of our planet - Geologists use two references for time

More information

ENVI.2030L Geologic Time

ENVI.2030L Geologic Time Name ENVI.2030L Geologic Time I. Introduction There are two types of geologic time, relative and absolute. In the case of relative time geologic events are arranged in their order of occurrence. No attempt

More information

9. DATING OF ROCKS, FOSSILS, AND GEOLOGIC EVENTS

9. DATING OF ROCKS, FOSSILS, AND GEOLOGIC EVENTS LAST NAME (IN CAPS): FIRST NAME: Instructions: 9. DATING OF ROCKS, FOSSILS, AND GEOLOGIC EVENTS Refer to Laboratory 8 in your Lab Manual on pages 207-226 to answer the questions in this work sheet. Your

More information

PLEASE DO NOT WRITE ON THIS QUIZ! Relative Dating and Stratigraphic Principles Quiz

PLEASE DO NOT WRITE ON THIS QUIZ! Relative Dating and Stratigraphic Principles Quiz PLEASE DO NOT WRITE ON THIS QUIZ! Relative Dating and Stratigraphic Principles Quiz TEST NO A Multiple Choice Identify the letter of the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.

More information

Chapter 09 Geologic Time

Chapter 09 Geologic Time Physical Geology 1330 116-S&R 1 Chapter 09 Geologic Time Lectures 12 & 13 Dr. Mike Murphy mmurphy@mail.uh.edu 333-S&R-1 www.uh.edu/~mamurph2/homepage.html Two Ways to Date Geologic Events 1. Relative Dating

More information

Geologic History Unit Notes. Relative age - general age statement like older, younger more recent

Geologic History Unit Notes. Relative age - general age statement like older, younger more recent Geologic History Unit Notes Relative age - general age statement like older, younger more recent Absolute age - specific age like 4,600 million years old Fundamental Principles of Relative Dating 1. Uniformitarianism

More information

GEOLOGIC EVENTS SEDIMENTARY ROCKS FAULTING FOLDING TILTING

GEOLOGIC EVENTS SEDIMENTARY ROCKS FAULTING FOLDING TILTING RELATIVE TIME (DATING) ABSOLUTE TIME (DATING) GEOLOGIC TIME List the order in which events occurred, without regard to the amount of time separating them. Refers to the age of a rock in relation to other

More information

9. RELATIVE AND RADIOMETRIC AGES

9. RELATIVE AND RADIOMETRIC AGES LAST NAME (IN CAPS): FIRST NAME: Instructions: 9. RELATIVE AND RADIOMETRIC AGES Your work will be graded on the basis of its accuracy, completion, clarity, neatness, legibility, and correct spelling of

More information

6/30/2018. Geologic Time. Earth, Chapter 9 Chapter 9 Geologic Time

6/30/2018. Geologic Time. Earth, Chapter 9 Chapter 9 Geologic Time 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Geologic Time Earth, Chapter 9 Chapter 9 Geologic Time The Importance of a Time Scale Interpreting Earth s history is an important goal of the science of

More information

UNCONFORMITY. Commonly four types of unconformities are distinguished by geologists: a) Disconformity (Parallel Unconformity)

UNCONFORMITY. Commonly four types of unconformities are distinguished by geologists: a) Disconformity (Parallel Unconformity) UNCONFORMITY Unconformities are gaps in the geologic record that may indicate episodes of crustal deformation, erosion, and sea level variations. They are a feature of stratified rocks, and are therefore

More information

CHAPTER 8 DETERMINING EARTH S AGE RELATIVE AND ABSOLUTE ROCK AGES. Loulousis

CHAPTER 8 DETERMINING EARTH S AGE RELATIVE AND ABSOLUTE ROCK AGES. Loulousis CHAPTER 8 DETERMINING EARTH S AGE RELATIVE AND ABSOLUTE ROCK AGES Loulousis Bellringer What are 5 visual clues that help you determine if someone is older or younger than you? Color of hair Wrinkles in

More information

Prentice Hall EARTH SCIENCE

Prentice Hall EARTH SCIENCE Prentice Hall EARTH SCIENCE Tarbuck Lutgens Chapter 12 Geologic Time 12.1 Discovering Earth s History Rocks Record Earth History Rocks record geological events and changing life forms of the past. We have

More information

GEOLOGIC TIME. Smith and Pun, Chapter 7 DETERMINING THE ORDER OF EVENTS

GEOLOGIC TIME. Smith and Pun, Chapter 7 DETERMINING THE ORDER OF EVENTS GEOLOGIC TIME Smith and Pun, Chapter 7 DETERMINING THE ORDER OF EVENTS Examination of ancient rocks reveals the history of our planet. Sedimentary and volcanic rocks record processes that occur on the

More information

Law of Superposition Law of Superposition

Law of Superposition Law of Superposition History of Earth Relative Dating In the same way that a history book shows an order of events, layers of rock (called strata) show the sequence of events that took place in the past. Using a few basic

More information

Name: Date: Class: This is a printable assignment.

Name: Date: Class: This is a printable assignment. Name: Date: Class: Tell the Story of Rock Sequences Earth Science Exercise Parts 1 and 2: Look at the illustrations below which show several horizontally layered sedimentary rock layers, unconsolidated

More information

8. GEOLOGIC TIME LAST NAME (ALL IN CAPS): FIRST NAME: Instructions

8. GEOLOGIC TIME LAST NAME (ALL IN CAPS): FIRST NAME: Instructions LAST NAME (ALL IN CAPS): FIRST NAME: Instructions 8. GEOLOGIC TIME Refer to Exercise 6 in your Lab Manual on pages 151-168 to answer the questions in this work sheet. Your work will be graded on the basis

More information

Principle of Uniformitarianism: Laws of nature don t change with time

Principle of Uniformitarianism: Laws of nature don t change with time G e o l o g i c T i m e Principle of Uniformitarianism: Laws of nature don t change with time Radical idea proposed by Hutton in 1780 s Proposed that past events could be explained by modern processes

More information

Name Geo 4 Practice Match the principle on the left (column A) with the definition (or part of the definition) on the right (column B).

Name Geo 4 Practice Match the principle on the left (column A) with the definition (or part of the definition) on the right (column B). Name Geo 4 Practice 1 Target 1 2 3 4 Geo 4 I can define the create, alter and/or destroy the rock record. I can interpret a diagram to determine the sequence of events (relative age) in Earth s history

More information

Geology 101 Lab Worksheet: Geologic Time

Geology 101 Lab Worksheet: Geologic Time Geology 101 Lab Worksheet: Geologic Time Name: Refer to the Geologic Time Lab for the information you need to complete this worksheet (http://commons.wvc.edu/rdawes/g101ocl/labs/geotimelab.html). All calculations

More information

Chapter 17. Geologic Time: Concepts and Principles

Chapter 17. Geologic Time: Concepts and Principles Chapter 17 Geologic Time: Concepts and Principles Introduction The Grand Canyon - Major John Wesley Powell, in 1869, led a group of explorers down the Colorado River. Powell was impressed with the geology

More information

Geohistory Review. Things you need to know:

Geohistory Review. Things you need to know: Geohistory Review Things you need to know: a) The earth and the solar system are 4.5 billion years old (4.5 X 10 9 ) b) Law of original horizontality: Sedimentary rock layers are always deposited as horizontal

More information

Stratigraphy. Stratigraphy deals with the study of any layered (stratified) rock, but primarily with sedimentary rocks and their

Stratigraphy. Stratigraphy deals with the study of any layered (stratified) rock, but primarily with sedimentary rocks and their Stratigraphy Stratigraphy deals with the study of any layered (stratified) rock, but primarily with sedimentary rocks and their composition origin age relationships geographic extent Stratified Sedimentary

More information

Geologic Time. Geologic Events

Geologic Time. Geologic Events Geologic Time Much of geology is focused on understanding Earth's history. The physical characteristics of rocks and minerals offer clues to the processes and conditions on and within Earth in the past.

More information

Rock cycle diagram. Principle of Original Horizontality. Sediment is deposited horizontally

Rock cycle diagram. Principle of Original Horizontality. Sediment is deposited horizontally Geologic Time Rock cycle diagram Leaves of History Chapter 21 Lateral Continuity Principle of Original Horizontality Sediment is deposited horizontally Principle of Superposition Oldest rock A Younger

More information

Geologic and Rock Cycles, Fossils and Unconformities

Geologic and Rock Cycles, Fossils and Unconformities Geologic and Rock Cycles, Fossils and Unconformities The Geologic Cycle 3 key events: deposition, uplift, erosion Sedimentation of beds A-D beneath the sea Uplift above sea level and exposure of D to erosion

More information

Geologic Time Test Study Guide

Geologic Time Test Study Guide Geologic Time Test Study Guide Chapter 12 Section 1 The Earth s Story and Those Who First Listened 1. What is the difference between uniformitarianism and catastrophism? Uniformitarianism: the same geologic

More information

Earth Science - Lab #11 Geologic Time

Earth Science - Lab #11 Geologic Time Earth Science - Lab #11 Geologic Time Page # Below are standard geologic symbols for the 3 main categories of rocks. Although these symbols are not universal, they are generally accepted by most geologists

More information

Deep Time: How Old Is Old?

Deep Time: How Old Is Old? Deep Time: How Old Is Old? Updated by: Based on slides prepared by: Rick Oches, Professor of Geology & Environmental Sciences Bentley University Waltham, Massachusetts Ronald L. Parker, Senior Geologist

More information

Rock cycle diagram. Relative dating. Placing rocks and events in proper sequence of formation Deciphering Earth s history from clues in the rocks

Rock cycle diagram. Relative dating. Placing rocks and events in proper sequence of formation Deciphering Earth s history from clues in the rocks Geologic Time Rock cycle diagram Leaves of History Chapter 21 Modern geology Uniformitarianism Fundamental principle of geology "The present is the key to the past Relative dating Placing rocks and events

More information

Clues to Earth s Past. Fossils and Geologic Time

Clues to Earth s Past. Fossils and Geologic Time Clues to Earth s Past Fossils and Geologic Time Fossils A. Paleontologists study fossils and reconstruct the appearance of animals. Fossils B. Fossils remains, imprints, or traces of prehistoric organisms

More information

Learning Target: I can create a foldable about the geologic principles that are used to relatively date rock sequences.

Learning Target: I can create a foldable about the geologic principles that are used to relatively date rock sequences. Geologic Principles Learning Target: I can create a foldable about the geologic principles that are used to relatively date rock sequences. 1 Geologic Principles Foldable You will need 3 pieces of paper

More information

GLY 155 Introduction to Physical Geology, W. Altermann. Press & Siever, compressive forces. Compressive forces cause folding and faulting.

GLY 155 Introduction to Physical Geology, W. Altermann. Press & Siever, compressive forces. Compressive forces cause folding and faulting. Press & Siever, 1995 compressive forces Compressive forces cause folding and faulting. faults 1 Uplift is followed by erosion, which creates new horizontal surface. lava flows Volcanic eruptions cover

More information

Chapter 4: Geologic Time

Chapter 4: Geologic Time Chapter 4: Geologic Time The history of the Earth is written in its rocks Rocks record events and life-forms that are long gone. The rock record is far from complete the history of the Earth becomes more

More information

State the principle of uniformitarianism. Explain how the law of superposition can be used to determine the relative age of rocks.

State the principle of uniformitarianism. Explain how the law of superposition can be used to determine the relative age of rocks. Objectives State the principle of uniformitarianism. Explain how the law of superposition can be used to determine the relative age of rocks. Compare three types of unconformities. Apply the law of crosscutting

More information

Geologic Time: Hutton s Outcrop at Siccar Point

Geologic Time: Hutton s Outcrop at Siccar Point Geologic Time: How do we determine age (relative & absolute) What is the age of the earth? How do we know? Hutton s Outcrop at Siccar Point Hutton looked at this outcrop and reasoned that the Earth was

More information

HISTORICAL NOTES. Catastrophism. James Usher, mid-1600s, concluded Earth was only a few thousand years old

HISTORICAL NOTES. Catastrophism. James Usher, mid-1600s, concluded Earth was only a few thousand years old 1 GEOLOGIC TIME HISTORICAL NOTES Catastrophism James Usher, mid-1600s, concluded Earth was only a few thousand years old Uniformitarianism Charles Lyell published Principles of Geology 1830. 3 HOW DO WE

More information

Today: 1) Quiz- Vocabulary Chapter 8 2) Lecture on Telling Time Geologically

Today: 1) Quiz- Vocabulary Chapter 8 2) Lecture on Telling Time Geologically Today: 1) Quiz- Vocabulary Chapter 8 2) Lecture on Telling Time Geologically Next Class: 1) Go over Exam 2 2) Continue: Telling Time Geologically 3) In Class Exercise: Radiometric dating Introduction to

More information

Directed Reading page

Directed Reading page Skills Worksheet Directed Reading page 185-190 Section: Determining Relative Age 1. How old is Earth estimated to be? 2. Who originated the idea that Earth is billions of years old? 3. On what did the

More information

Principles of Geology

Principles of Geology Principles of Geology Essential Questions What is Uniformitarianism? What is Catastrophism? What is Steno s s Law? What are the other geologic principles? How is relative age determined using these principles?

More information

Comprehensive Final Exam EXAM RETURN EXAM RETURN EXAM RETURN

Comprehensive Final Exam EXAM RETURN EXAM RETURN EXAM RETURN Exams will be returned 15 minutes before end. RESULTS: A: B: C: D: F: % of class got As and Bs CONGRATS! % got a D or less If your grade is what you want, keep up the good work! If not, see me for advice.

More information

Fossils: evidence of past life

Fossils: evidence of past life Fossils: evidence of past life Remains or traces of prehistoric life Petrified Cavities and pores are filled with precipitated mineral matter Petrified Formed by replacement Cell material is removed and

More information

Objectives. Vocabulary. Describe the geologic time scale. Distinguish among the following geologic time scale divisions: eon, era, period, and epoch.

Objectives. Vocabulary. Describe the geologic time scale. Distinguish among the following geologic time scale divisions: eon, era, period, and epoch. The Geologic Time Scale Objectives Describe the geologic time scale. Distinguish among the following geologic time scale divisions: eon, era, period, and epoch. Vocabulary geologic time scale eon era period

More information

Directed Reading A. Section: Relative Dating: Which Came First?

Directed Reading A. Section: Relative Dating: Which Came First? Skills Worksheet Directed Reading A Section: Relative Dating: Which Came First? Write the letter of the correct answer in the space provided. 1. Determining the age of objects or events in relation to

More information

Geologic Time. Kentucky Geological Survey Modified McCann

Geologic Time. Kentucky Geological Survey Modified McCann Geologic Time Kentucky Geological Survey Modified McCann Procedure Plate tectonics Classroom activity #1 What is geologic time? Relative age dating Absolute age dating Classroom activity #2 T C What is

More information

Geologic Time: Hutton s Outcrop at Siccar Point. How do we determine age (relative & absolute) What is the age of the earth? How do we know?

Geologic Time: Hutton s Outcrop at Siccar Point. How do we determine age (relative & absolute) What is the age of the earth? How do we know? Geologic Time: How do we determine age (relative & absolute) What is the age of the earth? How do we know? What is the age of the Earth? A. 4.44 million years B. 1 million years C. 4.55 billion years D.

More information

The Geology of Pacific Northwest Rocks & Minerals Activity 1: Geologic Time

The Geology of Pacific Northwest Rocks & Minerals Activity 1: Geologic Time Name: Age: I. Introduction There are two types of geologic time, relative and absolute. In the case of relative time geologic events are arranged in their order of occurrence. No attempt is made to determine

More information

GEOLOGIC TIME AND GEOLOGIC MAPS

GEOLOGIC TIME AND GEOLOGIC MAPS NAME GEOLOGIC TIME AND GEOLOGIC MAPS I. Introduction There are two types of geologic time, relative and absolute. In the case of relative time geologic events are arranged in their order of occurrence.

More information

Unit 6: Interpreting Earth s History

Unit 6: Interpreting Earth s History Unit 6: Interpreting Earth s History How do we know that the Earth has changed over time? Regent s Earth Science Name: Topics Relative Dating Uniformitarianism Superposition Original Horizontality Igneous

More information

Remains or traces of prehistoric life

Remains or traces of prehistoric life Fossils: evidence of past life Remains or traces of prehistoric life Petrified Cavities and pores are filled with precipitated p mineral matter Petrified Formed by replacement Cell material is removed

More information

Today you will be able to: Utilize the SEVEN rules of rock age identification to describe the geologic age of this rock sequence!

Today you will be able to: Utilize the SEVEN rules of rock age identification to describe the geologic age of this rock sequence! Mr. Sandomenico Welcome!!!! Today we will begin a new unit! The Earth s History!!!!! Today you will be able to: Utilize the SEVEN rules of rock age identification to describe the geologic age of this rock

More information

2. How do igneous rocks form? 3. How do sedimentary rocks form? 4. How do metamorphic rocks form?

2. How do igneous rocks form? 3. How do sedimentary rocks form? 4. How do metamorphic rocks form? Name: Class: Earth s History Test Review Packet Test: Monday, February 13, 2017 The Rock Cycle 1. Explain why it is called the rock CYCLE. Does it truly have a starting point or end point? 2. How do igneous

More information

Geologic History. Earth is very, very old

Geologic History. Earth is very, very old Geologic History Earth is very, very old Earth s History The history of Earth and the ages of rocks can be investigated and understood by studying rocks and fossils. Evidence of ancient, often extinct

More information

Determining Earth's History Rocks and Ice Cores

Determining Earth's History Rocks and Ice Cores Earths History Reu2.notebook November 14, 2013 Determining Earth's History Rocks and Ice Cores One goal of geology is to develop a timeline of Earth's past, including both geological and biological events.

More information

Geological Time How old is the Earth

Geological Time How old is the Earth Geological Time How old is the Earth How old is everything? Universe? Universe ~ 14 Billion Years Old Milky Way Galaxy? Milky Way Galaxy - 10 Billion Years Old Solar System? Solar System -4.6 Billion Years

More information

L.O: HOW GEOLOGISTS SEQUENCE EVENTS IN EARTH'S GEOLOGIC HISTORY IF NOT OVERTURNED, OLDEST ON BOTTOM, YOUNGEST ON TOP

L.O: HOW GEOLOGISTS SEQUENCE EVENTS IN EARTH'S GEOLOGIC HISTORY IF NOT OVERTURNED, OLDEST ON BOTTOM, YOUNGEST ON TOP L.O: HOW GEOLOGISTS SEQUENCE EVENTS IN EARTH'S GEOLOGIC HISTORY IF NOT OVERTURNED, OLDEST ON BOTTOM, YOUNGEST ON TOP 1. Unless a series of sedimentary rock layers has been overturned, the bottom rock layer

More information

Geologic Time. Earth s History

Geologic Time. Earth s History Geologic Time Chapter 12 Earth s History Earth s history is recorded in rocks Rocks record geological events and changing life forms of the past. We have learned that Earth is much older than anyone had

More information

II. Knowing and Understanding the Six Principles of Stratigraphy:

II. Knowing and Understanding the Six Principles of Stratigraphy: Student Name(s): Physical Geology 101 Laboratory Relative Dating of Rocks Using Stratigraphic Principles Grade: I. Introduction & Purpose: The purpose of this lab is to learn and apply the concepts of

More information

Geologic Time. This page last updated on 17-Oct-2017

Geologic Time. This page last updated on 17-Oct-2017 Page 1 of 16 EENS 1110 Tulane University Physical Geology Prof. Stephen A. Nelson Geologic Time This page last updated on 17-Oct-2017 From the beginning of this course, we have stated that the Earth is

More information

Lecture Outline Friday Feb. 21 Wednesday Feb. 28, 2018

Lecture Outline Friday Feb. 21 Wednesday Feb. 28, 2018 Lecture Outline Friday Feb. 21 Wednesday Feb. 28, 2018 Questions? Key Points for today What are the 5 relative age dating principles and how do you apply the principles to determine a geologic history

More information

You must take the exam in the lecture section for which you are registered. Any exceptions must be cleared with the instructor in advance.

You must take the exam in the lecture section for which you are registered. Any exceptions must be cleared with the instructor in advance. Geo 101, Fall 2000 Review Questions for Final Exam GEOLOGIC TIME AND FOLDING AND FAULTING THE FINAL EXAM FOR MWF CLASS WILL BE TUESDAY 1400 THE FINAL EXAM FOR TR CLASS WILL BE FRIDAY 930 These questions

More information

Name Date EARTH S HISTORY VOCABULARY

Name Date EARTH S HISTORY VOCABULARY Name Date EARTH S HISTORY VOCABULARY Use Figure 2 to answer the following two questions. 10. Interpreting Graphics Which is older the sandstone layer or Dike A? Explain your answer. Conglomerate Sandstone

More information

Unconformities are depositional contacts that overlie rocks distinctly older than they are. They are often called gaps in the sedimentary record.

Unconformities are depositional contacts that overlie rocks distinctly older than they are. They are often called gaps in the sedimentary record. UNCONFORMITIES Unconformities are depositional contacts that overlie rocks distinctly older than they are. They are often called gaps in the sedimentary record. The contact represents time when no sediment

More information

6. Relative and Absolute Dating

6. Relative and Absolute Dating 6. Relative and Absolute Dating Adapted by Sean W. Lacey & Joyce M. McBeth (2018) University of Saskatchewan from Deline B, Harris R, & Tefend K. (2015) "Laboratory Manual for Introductory Geology". First

More information

Relative Age-dating -- Discovery of Important Stratigraphic Principles Y

Relative Age-dating -- Discovery of Important Stratigraphic Principles Y R Steinberg DMC/4-08 EARTH HISTORY 1404 Example 1: Y S P Q Four different rock units (layers of different rock types), labeled Y, S, P, and Q, are seen in a road cut, as shown schematically above: 1) Are

More information

Relative Geologic Time Scale. Geologic Time Scale

Relative Geologic Time Scale. Geologic Time Scale Dating the Earth The Map That Changed the World The Map That Changed the World William Smith, 1815 Geologic map of England, Wales, part of Scotland Relative Geologic Time Scale The relative geologic time

More information

GEOLOGY MEDIA SUITE Chapter 8

GEOLOGY MEDIA SUITE Chapter 8 UNDERSTANDING EARTH, SIXTH EDITION GROTZINGER JORDAN GEOLOGY MEDIA SUITE Chapter 8 Clocks in Rocks Timing the Geologic Record 2010 W.H. Freeman and Company Stratigraphy and fossils Figure 8.4 (page 172)

More information

Clues to Earth s Past

Clues to Earth s Past chapter 13 3 Clues to Earth s Past section 2 Relative Ages of Rocks Before You Read Think of two friends. You want to know who is older. What information do you need to figure out who s older? What You

More information

General Geology Lab #7: Geologic Time & Relative Dating

General Geology Lab #7: Geologic Time & Relative Dating General Geology 89.101 Name: General Geology Lab #7: Geologic Time & Relative Dating Purpose: To use relative dating techniques to interpret geological cross sections. Procedure: Today we will be interpreting

More information

Cross-Cutting Relationships Cross-Cutting and Sequencing Lab Earth Science Essentials-Advanced by Russ Colson

Cross-Cutting Relationships Cross-Cutting and Sequencing Lab Earth Science Essentials-Advanced by Russ Colson Cross-Cutting Relationships Cross-Cutting and Sequencing Lab Earth Science Essentials-Advanced by Russ Colson Introduction: It isn't possible to bring all of outdoors into the classroom, and stratigraphic

More information

Geologic Time. What is Age? Absolute Age The number of years since the rock formed. (150 million years old, 10 thousand years old.

Geologic Time. What is Age? Absolute Age The number of years since the rock formed. (150 million years old, 10 thousand years old. Geologic Time There are 2 kinds: What is Age? Absolute Age The number of years since the rock formed. (150 million years old, 10 thousand years old.) Relative Age The age compared to the ages of other

More information

Earth History 870:035

Earth History 870:035 Earth History 870:035 Course goal: To describe the history of Earth and its inhabitants Most of Earth s history predates humanity, so it has not been observed Therefore, we will emphasize how scientists

More information

Geochronology. study of 'Earth time' Historical Geology. study of the physical and biological evolution of the Earth & its life

Geochronology. study of 'Earth time' Historical Geology. study of the physical and biological evolution of the Earth & its life http://talc.geo.umn.edu/courses/100i/1001kirkby/ss6.html Page I of II 3/17/2006 Geochronology study of 'Earth time' time scale of geologic processes & methods of measuring time Historical Geology study

More information

3. Bedrock from which entire geologic time period is missing between rock units 5 and 6? The fault most likely occurred after

3. Bedrock from which entire geologic time period is missing between rock units 5 and 6? The fault most likely occurred after Homework # 4 Relative Dating Name: Section: Date: 1. The cross section below represents a portion of Earth s crust. Letters through D are locations within the rock units. 5. The sequence of rock types

More information

Unit 2 Lesson 3 Absolute Dating. Copyright Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Unit 2 Lesson 3 Absolute Dating. Copyright Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company It s About Time! How can the absolute age of rock be determined? Determining the actual age of an event or object in years is called absolute dating. Scientists often use radioactive isotopes to find the

More information

THE HISTORY OF THE EARTH EARTH SCIENCE

THE HISTORY OF THE EARTH EARTH SCIENCE THE HISTORY OF THE EARTH EARTH SCIENCE FOSSILS Paleontology is the study of life that existed in prehistoric times A fossil is any evidence of earlier life preserved in rock. Shells Bones Petrified trees

More information

Assignment #5-7: Geology

Assignment #5-7: Geology Assignment #5-7: Geology Name: 1. "Geological processes operating at the present time are the same processes that have operated in the past" is a statement of: A. the Principle of Cross-cutting Relationships

More information

3 Absolute Dating: A Measure of Time

3 Absolute Dating: A Measure of Time CHAPTER 3 3 Absolute Dating: A Measure of Time SECTION The Rock and Fossil Record BEFORE YOU READ After you read this section, you should be able to answer these questions: How can geologists learn the

More information

Directed Reading. Section: Determining Relative Age. conclusions? UNIFORMITARIANISM. geology? of Earth? Skills Worksheet

Directed Reading. Section: Determining Relative Age. conclusions? UNIFORMITARIANISM. geology? of Earth? Skills Worksheet Skills Worksheet Directed Reading Section: Determining Relative Age 1. How old is Earth estimated to be? 2. Who originated the idea that Earth is billions of years old? 3. On what did the 18th-century

More information

Chapter 2. Early Geologists Tackle History's Mysteries

Chapter 2. Early Geologists Tackle History's Mysteries Chapter 2 Early Geologists Tackle History's Mysteries Nicolaus Steno and his Laws Danish (lived in Italy); 1638-1687 Pioneering studies of Italian strata Developed basic principles (laws) regarding age

More information

time is critical for geologic processes!

time is critical for geologic processes! geologic time! time is critical for geologic processes! Rockies and Alps are ~3000 m tall! -- mountains grow at ~1 meter per 5000 yrs (0.2 mm/yr)! -- 3000 m x 5000 yr/m = 15,000,000 (yrs necessary)! Atlantic

More information

Section 7. Reading the Geologic History of Your Community. What Do You See? Think About It. Investigate. Learning Outcomes

Section 7. Reading the Geologic History of Your Community. What Do You See? Think About It. Investigate. Learning Outcomes Chapter 3 Minerals, Rocks, and Structures Section 7 Reading the Geologic History of Your Community What Do You See? Learning Outcomes In this section, you will Goals Text Learning Outcomes In this section,

More information

Geologic Time Grand Canyon National Park

Geologic Time Grand Canyon National Park Chapter 8: Geologic Time & the Grand Canyon Geologic Time Grand Canyon National Park Colorado Plateau nearly-horizontal rocks lifted feet above sea level River drains Mtns Who was John Wesley Powell? Label

More information

Clues to Earth s Past

Clues to Earth s Past Chapter Review Clues to Earth s Past Part A. Vocabulary Review Directions: Use the clues below to complete the crossword puzzle. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Across 2. Element found in tissues of most organisms 4.

More information

Answers to Section G: Time and the Fossil Record (Relative Dating)

Answers to Section G: Time and the Fossil Record (Relative Dating) Answers to Section G: Time and the Fossil Record (Relative Dating) Use the following sketch of a geological cross section to answer questions 1 to 3. 1. The most important principle used to determine the

More information

Earth s History. The principle of states that geologic processes that happened in the past can be explained by current geologic processes.

Earth s History. The principle of states that geologic processes that happened in the past can be explained by current geologic processes. Earth s History Date: Been There, Done That What is the principle of uniformitarianism? The principle of states that geologic processes that happened in the past can be explained by current geologic processes.

More information

2. Can you name earth s three eras and explain why they are divided that way?

2. Can you name earth s three eras and explain why they are divided that way? Unit: 3 Earth s History LT 3.1 Earth s History: I can map out a basic history of the earth, including key events. 1. Can you place the key events of earth s history in order? #1 Yes I can: 2. Can you name

More information

In the 18th and 19th centuries, scientists recognized that Earth had

In the 18th and 19th centuries, scientists recognized that Earth had Section.. Discovering Earth s History FOCUS Section Objectives. Explain how rocks allow geologists to interpret Earth s history.. Recognize how uniformitarianism helps explain Earth s features.. List the

More information

Chapter 8 TIMING THE GEOLOGIC RECORD

Chapter 8 TIMING THE GEOLOGIC RECORD Chapter 8 Fossils (cont.): Petrified Forest, Arizona. These ancient logs are millions of years old. Their substance was completely replaced by silica, which preserved all the original details of form.

More information