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How can you determine the relative age of a rock layer by looking at a cross section?
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
In the cross section, examine the different layers. The layer at the very bottom will be the oldest, and the one above would be slightly newer, and the one above that even newer, and so on, until the most recent rock layer is found at the top. Therefore, the layer you study will depend on those features. If you know the age of one layer, you will know the relative age of another.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoLaw of Superposition
The law states that strata that are younger will be deposited on top of strata that are older, given normal conditions of deposition. This law is the guiding principle of stratigraphy, or the study of geological or soil layers. Stratigraphy is still the single best method that archaeologists have for determining the relative ages of archaeological materials.
Many times the layers of rock have been disturbed. Then other principles come into play.
Gaps in the rock record, due to non-deposition and/or erosion, are called unconformities. Unconformities caused by erosion are commonly represented diagrammatically by an irregular or jagged line.
If the layers are sedimentary or volcanic, then the assumption that the layers formed one after the other, from bottom to top, is justified. But if the layers are made of metamorphic or intrusive igneous rocks, then the age relationships may be quite different.
In metamorphic rocks, layering may develop in response to application of pressure. In that case, the layers may all form at the same time. The position of a layer within the series, above or below another layer, will not be indicative of whether it is younger or older.
When an igneous intrusion crosses several layers of rock, then the igneous intrusion is younger than any of the rocks that it cuts across.
The above also holds true for a fault that cuts across layers.
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoThe guidelines used to determine the relative ages of the rocks and events shown by a geologic cross-section is the Law of Superposition. It is the basic law of geochronology.
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What are the guidelines used to determine the relative ages of the rocks and events shown by a geologic cross section?
The guidelines used to determine the relative ages of the rocks and events shown by a geologic cross-section is the Law of Superposition. It is the basic law of geochronology.
What is the function of the cross-section of a root and a stem?
cross-section of a root
Stem's cross section?
Most plant stems are hollow - giving a cross-section that resembles a donut.
What histology stain should be used for brain tissue?
The basic H & E stain will colour a cross section and longitudinal section very nicely. There are other stains if your looking stain specifics such as the myeline sheath.
How can you determine the absolute age of an igneous rock?
Relative age can be determined using superposition and cross-cutting relationships. Absolute age can only be determined using radiometric dating methods, such as Rb-Sr.
What are the guidelines used to determine the relative age of a rocks and events shown by a geologic cross-section?
The guidelines used to determine the relative ages of the rocks and events shown by a geologic cross-section is the Law of Superposition. It is the basic law of geochronology.
What is the cross section of a hollow cylinder?
A circle, ellipse, truncated ellipse or rectangle - depending on the inclination of the cross section relative to the cylinder.
What are the guidelines used to determine the relative ages of the rocks and events shown by a geologic cross section?
The guidelines used to determine the relative ages of the rocks and events shown by a geologic cross-section is the Law of Superposition. It is the basic law of geochronology.
What shape is cross section of a cone?
Circular when looking up at it
What are dimensions of a 1.5 liter spirit bottle?
The volume of a bottle is not sufficient information to determine its dimensions. Some bottles have a wide circular cross section and are squat, others have a smaller cross section but are taller, others have a square or rectangular cross section.
Are only sedimentary rocks used for relative age determination?
No, igneous rocks can be used in this way based on the fact that an igneous intrusion will be younger than the material through which it passes. This is part of the principle of cross cutting relationships.
Where is a Cross section of bicycle pump?
a cross section applies to anything...it is a way of looking at something inside. imagine cutting through a pump (for example) and then looking perpindicular at it, like holding it out in your hands like binoculars, the shape that you see (a circle probably in this case) is called the cross sestion.
How do you calculate section modulus of a T section?
This is a technique used by civil and mechanical engineers to calculate the cross section of a geometric figure. It is used to determine the Yield Moment also called My.
What is faunal correlation?
Faunal Cross-correlation is the use of animal bones found within an archaeological site to determine a relative date.
What does relative dating mean?
Relative dating is a method used in geology to determine the age of rock layers or fossils in relation to each other. It does not provide specific numerical ages, but instead establishes a sequence of events based on the principles of superposition, original horizontality, and cross-cutting relationships. This method helps scientists understand the relative timing of geologic events.
What has a circular cross section when the cross section is taken parallel?
A cylinder has a circular cross section that is parallel to its base.
Can the cross section of a cuboid be a trapezium?
Not a right cross-section.
