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It is fairly easy to determine the age of lava or volcanic ash using radiometric dating, but much harder with sedimentary rock. But, if a layer of sedimentary rock is in between two layers of volcanic rock, then we know if had to have formed after the first layer and before the second one. If we know how old the volcanic layers are, then we have a general idea of how old the sedimentary layer is as well.

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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?

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.


Why are fossils found mostly in a sedimentary rock?

Because when the lava killed the animals, their remains stayed in the lava and dried to become sedimentary rock.


Is lava a sedimentary rock?

No, lava is not a sedimentary rock. Lava is molten rock that erupts onto Earth's surface from a volcano, and when it cools and solidifies, it forms an igneous rock called basalt or rhyolite. Sedimentary rocks are formed through the accumulation and consolidation of sediments, not from volcanic activity.


Is sedimentary rock formed by lava?

no that is igneus


Where does sedimentary rock came from?

from volcanoes lava


Are magma and lava sedimentary rocks?

No. Magma and lava are molten rock. When the cool they form igneous rock.


When lava cools does it become sedimentary rock?

No. It becomes igneous rock.


How does sedimentary rock turn to lava?

Sedimentary rock does not directly turn into lava. Instead, when sedimentary rock is subjected to extreme heat and pressure, it can undergo metamorphism, potentially transforming into metamorphic rock. If this metamorphic rock is further subjected to even higher temperatures, it can melt and become magma. When magma erupts to the surface, it is called lava.


Is sandstone an igneous rock?

No. Sandstone is a sedimentary rock, composed of cemented grains of sand-sized sediment particles. Igneous rock is formed from the cooling of magma or lava.


How is sedimentary rock relate to magma and lava?

because half of it is made of frozen or either hardend lava so it is related to lava


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).


What is the difference between igneous and sedimentary rocks?

Igneous rock is formed from the solidification of magma or lava. Sedimentary rock is formed from the lithification of sediments, generally.