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Geological Principles and Dating Methods Quiz

#1

Which principle states that in an undisturbed sequence of sedimentary rock layers, the oldest rocks are at the bottom?

Law of Superposition
Explanation

Oldest rocks at bottom in undisturbed sedimentary layers.

#2

What method of dating relies on the steady decay of radioactive isotopes?

Radiocarbon dating
Explanation

Dating based on decay of radioactive isotopes.

#3

What is the term for the time it takes for half of the radioactive isotopes in a sample to decay?

Half-life
Explanation

Time for half decay of radioactive isotopes.

#4

In which type of rock would you typically find fossils?

Sedimentary
Explanation

Fossils typically found in sedimentary rock.

#5

What is the age of a rock layer compared to the ages of other rock layers called?

Relative age
Explanation

Comparison of rock layers' ages.

#6

Which dating method is most appropriate for dating rocks millions to billions of years old?

Uranium-lead dating
Explanation

Suitable for rocks millions to billions years old.

#7

What is the principle that states that geological processes observed today have operated similarly in the past?

Principle of Uniformitarianism
Explanation

Present geological processes similar to past.

#8

Which principle states that an igneous intrusion or fault must be younger than the rocks it intrudes or cuts through?

Principle of Cross-Cutting Relationships
Explanation

Intrusions/faults younger than surrounding rocks.

#9

Which dating method is suitable for determining the age of ancient pottery?

Thermoluminescence dating
Explanation

Determining age of ancient pottery.

#10

Which dating method is often used to date volcanic ash layers within sedimentary rock sequences?

Potassium-argon dating
Explanation

Dating volcanic ash layers in sedimentary rocks.

#11

What dating method involves comparing the pattern of tree rings in archaeological wood samples?

Dendrochronology
Explanation

Dating via tree ring patterns.

#12

Which dating method relies on the observation of the tracks left by the spontaneous fission of uranium-238 in minerals?

Fission track dating
Explanation

Observing tracks from uranium-238 fission.

#13

Which dating method relies on the measurement of the decay of radioactive isotopes of uranium and thorium to lead isotopes?

Uranium-series dating
Explanation

Dating based on uranium and thorium decay.

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