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Explain how geologists use fossils to date sedimentary rock layers?
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
It is possible in very rare circumstances. Radiometric dating is used mostly on minerals of igenous and metamorphic rocks. It is thus possible to get an absolute age of layers of volcanic ash or quite a good age estimate for sediments into which volcanic bombs or lapilli fell because their age of sedimentation is essentially their age of crystallization.
It is impossible, though, to derive absolute ages of sedimentation from dating of minerals e.g. in sandstones, because those dates would give you an information about when the rock that was eroded to become the sandstone was formed.
Quite recently people have succeeded in dating carbonate rocks via the small amounts of uranium that are incorporated in the carbonate minerals (not usually a sedimentary layer but still a sediment). High precision radiometric dates are derived from carbonate corals and speleothems as well using the decay chain of Uranium over Thorium (and other elements) to lead.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoGeologists use fossils to date sedimentary rock layers by knowing that organisms live short spans of geologic time, the rock layer where the organism was found can be dated accurately.
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Where can you find the oldest fossils in sedimentary rock layers?
It would be found in the lower layers, rather that younger fossils which are found in the upper layers. ♥
What does the rock cycle have anything to do with fossils?
Sedimentary rocks are rocks that are formed by layers of different things compacting very tightly. These layers can have a lot of different things in them, like fossils. So, sedimentary rocks are partially made up of fossils.
If you were looking for fossils in what types of rocks would you expect to find them?
Sedimentary rock layers.
By comparing fossils in higher sedimentary layers with fossils in lower sedimentary layers scientists can learn what?
I.which types of organisms were more common during various time periods.II.how species have evolved over time.III.the relative age of different species. there it is
How do scientists determine history by using fossils and sedimentary layers?
Geologists and paleontologists look for index fossils in rock strata. These index fossils appear only in rocks of a certain age. Finding them lets the scientist know the approximate age range of a rock formation. Layers of sedimentary rock will also aid the scientist is determining the climate from that age, of any volcanism that may have taken place, the lifeforms that existed, and even find evidence of catastrophic events such as asteroid collisions that may have led to extinction events.
Where can you find the oldest fossils in sedimentary rock layers?
It would be found in the lower layers, rather that younger fossils which are found in the upper layers. ♥
What type of rocks form in layers and have fossils in them?
sedimentary
Are sedimentary rocks characterised by having layers and fossils?
Yes
How do sedimentary rock layers provide clues to a fossil age?
because fossils are in sedimentary rock
How are sedimentary rock layers used be scientists to learn about the past?
plant and animal fossils are most often found in layers of sedimentary rocks
What layer would old fossils be located?
Sedimentary rocks layers.
Why are rock layers significant?
if it is a sedimentary rock the fossils get cemented together
What can you find within layers of sedimentary rock?
As sedimentary rock is deposited at over time, you can find fossils in it.
How do geologists use the column?
Geologists use the geologic column to classify layers of rocks and fossils that make up the Earth's crust.
What does the rock cycle have anything to do with fossils?
Sedimentary rocks are rocks that are formed by layers of different things compacting very tightly. These layers can have a lot of different things in them, like fossils. So, sedimentary rocks are partially made up of fossils.
How do geologists use geologic column?
Geologists use the geologic column to classify layers of rocks and fossils that make up the Earth's crust.
What are forming fossils?
Fossils are formed in sedimentary rocks, which has multiple layers to show the level of soil back then.
