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Suppose a lava flow was found between two sedimentary rock layers How could you use the lava flow to learn about the ages of the sedimentary rock layers?
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Because of geologic events such as plate tectonics and volcanism, suitable material for radiometric dating, such as volcanic tuff, solidified lava, and igneous intrusions have been found as layers on, in, and cut through layers of sedimentary rock.
Intrusions are always younger than the rock body they penetrate, meaning that the sedimentary rock in which intrusions are found will be older than a radiometrically dated sample of the intrusion. Lava flows and volcanic ash which form layers in rock will be younger than the rock below and older than the rock above. The solidified intrusions and lava flows can be dated with radiometric techniques.
The radiometric dating of suitable rocks (i.e. igneous or metamorphic) in proximity to their sedimentary counterparts, therefore allows the sedimentary rock to be dated as well.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
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How could you explain the presence of an igneous rock in a bed of sediments rock?
The sediment from which sedimentary rock is formed originally came from other rocks that weathered away. In some sedimentary rocks, especially breccia and conglomerate, some of those rock fragments can still be identified. If it does not appear to be part of the sediment, there are a few possible explanations depending on their relationship. If there is a layer of igneous rock between sedimentary layers then it could be from a volcanic eruption that occurred during the time of sedimentation, or a sill that intruded between layers after they formed. If the igneous rock appears to cut through the sedimentary rock then it most likely is an intrusion. If there is a piece of igneous rock that happens to be in an area where the local bedrock is sedimentary then it may have been transported there by glaciers.
What type of rock is formed when layers of loose materials and compacted?
That process, of itself, does not form a particular "type" of rock. what it produces is rock "strata" where the rock involved could be igneous or sedimentary in origin.
If a rock has bands of light and dark layers its what?
It could be a sedimentary rock or a foliated metamorphic rock exhibiting alternating bands of light and dark minerals.
What is the cementing material between the grains in a sedimentary rock?
The cementing material could be calcite, clay minerals, iron minerals, or quartz in a clastic sedimentary rock.
Which type of rock is where fossils are found?
They are mostly found in Sedimentary Rocks
Type of Rock forms in layers?
Sedimentary rocks, and foliated metamorphic rocks form in layers.
How can igneous rock disturb sedimentary rock layers?
Igneous rocks can disturb sedimentary rock layers and formations by their movement during ascent through such layer. when they make contact with this sedimentary rocks they could result to folding and/or metamorphism.
What is a gap in the rock record caused by erosion?
Any gap in age of rock between rock layers is called an uncomformity. An unconformity is the contact between two layers representing a gap in the geologic record, usually from the erosion of the layers which would normally be expected to appear.
What could be said of sedimentary rock that would suggest something about action over long periods of time?
The top layer of sedimentary rock isn't as old as the layers beneath it.
How would igneous rock be on a layer of sedimentary rock?
The igneous rock could have been erupted as lava on the surface, or intruded into the sedimentary rock layers as magma underneath the surface (a sill).
How could you explain the presence of an igneous rock in a bed of sediments rock?
The sediment from which sedimentary rock is formed originally came from other rocks that weathered away. In some sedimentary rocks, especially breccia and conglomerate, some of those rock fragments can still be identified. If it does not appear to be part of the sediment, there are a few possible explanations depending on their relationship. If there is a layer of igneous rock between sedimentary layers then it could be from a volcanic eruption that occurred during the time of sedimentation, or a sill that intruded between layers after they formed. If the igneous rock appears to cut through the sedimentary rock then it most likely is an intrusion. If there is a piece of igneous rock that happens to be in an area where the local bedrock is sedimentary then it may have been transported there by glaciers.
What type of rock is formed when layers of loose materials and compacted?
That process, of itself, does not form a particular "type" of rock. what it produces is rock "strata" where the rock involved could be igneous or sedimentary in origin.
If a rock has bands of light and dark layers it is?
It could be foliated metamorphic rock or sedimentary rock, depending on its mineral makeup and method of formation.
If a rock has bands of light and dark layers it is what?
It could be a sedimentary rock or a foliated metamorphic rock exhibiting alternating bands of light and dark minerals.
If a rock has bands of light and dark layers its what?
It could be a sedimentary rock or a foliated metamorphic rock exhibiting alternating bands of light and dark minerals.
How many rocks did you classify as sedmentary?
sedimentary rocks are those which have been eroded from the earth and have had layers of mud and other rock put ontop of them, these then could create fossils. Some sedimentary rocks are such as limestone, mudstone, slate and marble.
What is the cementing material between the grains in a sedimentary rock?
The cementing material could be calcite, clay minerals, iron minerals, or quartz in a clastic sedimentary rock.
