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Igneous intrusions that crosscut sedimentary rock that contain fossils can provide a date range because igneous rock is datable by radioactive decay techniques.

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Why not use igneous rocks with relative dating?

Igneous rocks are difficult to date using relative dating because they do not contain fossils. Relative dating relies on the presence of index fossils to establish the age of rock layers, and since igneous rocks form from molten magma that solidifies quickly, they do not typically contain fossils. Additionally, igneous rocks are usually intrusive or extrusive, making it harder to determine their relative ages based on their position within rock layers.


Why is geologic column an example of circular reasoning?

The geologic column is considered an example of circular reasoning because the ages of the rock layers are primarily determined by the fossils they contain, and the ages of the fossils are determined by the rock layers they are found in. This creates a circular argument where the age of the rocks is used to date the fossils, and the age of the fossils is used to date the rocks.


How old are igneous rocks?

Igneous rocks do not have a specific age. They are formed from lava or magma cooling and solidifying, which can happen at any point in time. The age of an igneous rock can be determined through radiometric dating techniques.


Fossils are the key to matching rocks across large regions?

Fossils found in rocks can help scientists correlate and match rocks across different regions because specific types of fossils can provide information about the age of the rocks they are found in. By comparing the types of fossils in different rock layers, geologists can determine the relative ages of those rocks and create a timeline of events in Earth's history. This technique is known as biostratigraphy.


What geologic law is applied if an igneous intrusion is observed through a layer of sedimentary rock?

The principle of cross-cutting relationships is applied in this case. It states that the intrusion must be younger than the sedimentary rock it cuts through, as the igneous rock is "cutting across" pre-existing layers. This helps in determining the relative ages of the rocks involved.

Related Questions

Would fossils of species that did not change noticeably over time be useful in determining the relative ages of rocks?

In order to be useful in determining the relative ages of rocks, an indicator must provide different indications for rocks of different ages, right? So how could something which doesn't change over time be useful?


Why not use igneous rocks with relative dating?

Igneous rocks are difficult to date using relative dating because they do not contain fossils. Relative dating relies on the presence of index fossils to establish the age of rock layers, and since igneous rocks form from molten magma that solidifies quickly, they do not typically contain fossils. Additionally, igneous rocks are usually intrusive or extrusive, making it harder to determine their relative ages based on their position within rock layers.


Can fossils be used to determine the relative ages of rocks layers?

fossils can be used to determine the relative age of rock layer by using the classification of fossils to find the relative ages of rocks in which fossils are found. :] hoped i helped you out.


How can fossils be uesed to compare the ages of different rocks?

i dont know do i


How can fossills be used to determine the relative ages of rock layers?

fossils can be used to determine the relative age of rock layer by using the classification of fossils to find the relative ages of rocks in which fossils are found. :] hoped i helped you out.


What is the study of rock layers?

The study of rock layers is called stratigraphy. It involves examining the composition, sequence, and arrangement of rock layers to understand the Earth's history, including past environments, climates, and geological events. Stratigraphy is essential in determining the relative ages of rocks and the processes that have shaped the Earth over time.


Why is geologic column an example of circular reasoning?

The geologic column is considered an example of circular reasoning because the ages of the rock layers are primarily determined by the fossils they contain, and the ages of the fossils are determined by the rock layers they are found in. This creates a circular argument where the age of the rocks is used to date the fossils, and the age of the fossils is used to date the rocks.


What is the relationship between distance from the ridges and age of the crust?

At the oceanic ridges the age of igneous basalt rocks is approximately zero (as that is where they formed) and the rocks get older the farther away. The ages of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks does not correlate reliably with distance from the oceanic ridges like the ages of igneous rocks, because they can form anywhere not mainly at oceanic ridges. Igneous granite rocks are generally formed around continental volcanos not oceanic ridges.


How is earths geolgic history determined?

it is determined by studying the relative and absolute ages of rocks and fossils


How old are igneous rocks?

Igneous rocks do not have a specific age. They are formed from lava or magma cooling and solidifying, which can happen at any point in time. The age of an igneous rock can be determined through radiometric dating techniques.


Why did scientists use trilobites as index fossils?

Scientists used trilobites as index fossils because they were abundant, had a wide distribution, and had a relatively short existence in the fossil record. This made them useful for correlating rock layers from different locations and determining the relative ages of the rocks.


Why have sedimentary rocks been very important to scientists who study how living things have changed over the ages?

The vast majority of fossils are found in sedimentary rocks. Fossils are they key to understanding what living things used to be like.