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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.

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What type of rock is formed when layers of loose materials and compacted?

Sedimentary rock is formed when layers of loose materials, such as sand or sediment, are compacted and cemented together over time.


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.


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

Related Questions

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.


If a rock has bands of light and dark layers it is what?

It is likely a sedimentary rock, where the light layers are composed of a different material or grain size compared to the dark layers. This banding could be due to variations in sediment deposition over time.


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).


What type of rock is formed when layers of loose materials and compacted?

Sedimentary rock is formed when layers of loose materials, such as sand or sediment, are compacted and cemented together over time.


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 happened to the sedimentary rock layers that first formed over the ancient rocks?

The sedimentary rock layers that formed over ancient rocks could have been eroded away, transformed through the process of metamorphism, or lifted and exposed due to tectonic forces. These layers can also be buried deeper within the Earth's crust through geological processes.


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.


If a rock has bands of light and dark layers it is?

Likely a sedimentary rock, formed by the accumulation and compaction of sediment over time. The light and dark layers may indicate variations in sediment composition or environmental conditions during deposition.