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Geological Stratigraphy and Sequence Analysis Quiz

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Which of the following is a principle used in relative dating of rock layers?

Law of Superposition

Explanation

Older rocks are found below younger rocks.

What type of rocks are typically formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava?

Igneous rocks

Explanation

Formed from molten material.

Which geologic era is known as the 'Age of Dinosaurs'?

Mesozoic

Explanation

Era when dinosaurs were dominant.

Which principle states that the same processes we observe today have operated in the past?

Uniformitarianism

Explanation

Geological processes are consistent over time.

Which geological eon represents the longest span of time in Earth's history?

Phanerozoic

Explanation

Eon including complex life forms.

In stratigraphy, what is an unconformity?

A gap in the geological record

Explanation

Break in the sequence of rock layers.

What is the principle of faunal succession used for in stratigraphy?

Correlating rock layers

Explanation

Matching rock layers based on fossil content.

What is the term for a widespread and distinctive assemblage of fossils that is used to define and characterize a particular time interval?

Biozone

Explanation

Unique fossil group marking specific time.

What is a key characteristic of an index fossil?

It is common and widespread

Explanation

Abundant and found across large area.

#10

What is the term for a layer of sedimentary rock that is characterized by a unique set of fossils and is used for correlation?

Formation

Explanation

Distinctive rock layer with specific fossils.

#11

Which method is commonly used to determine the absolute age of rocks and fossils?

Potassium-argon dating

Explanation

Measuring decay of potassium isotopes.

#12

What is the principle of cross-cutting relationships in geological stratigraphy?

Intrusions and faults are younger than the rocks they affect

Explanation

Faults and intrusions are newer than surrounding rocks.

#13

Which type of unconformity is characterized by tilted or folded sedimentary rocks overlain by horizontal sedimentary rocks?

Angular unconformity

Explanation

Tilted layers overlaid by horizontal ones.

#14

What is the primary tool used for measuring the absolute age of rocks and fossils in radiometric dating?

Mass spectrometry

Explanation

Technique for measuring isotopic ratios.

#15

Which type of unconformity is formed when sedimentary rocks overlie crystalline igneous or metamorphic rocks?

Nonconformity

Explanation

Boundary between sedimentary and crystalline rocks.

Geological Stratigraphy and Sequence Analysis Quiz

Which of the following is a principle used in relative dating of rock layers?

What type of rocks are typically formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava?

Which geologic era is known as the 'Age of Dinosaurs'?

Which principle states that the same processes we observe today have operated in the past?

Which geological eon represents the longest span of time in Earth's history?

In stratigraphy, what is an unconformity?

What is the principle of faunal succession used for in stratigraphy?

What is the term for a widespread and distinctive assemblage of fossils that is used to define and characterize a particular time interval?

What is a key characteristic of an index fossil?

What is the term for a layer of sedimentary rock that is characterized by a unique set of fossils and is used for correlation?

Which method is commonly used to determine the absolute age of rocks and fossils?

What is the principle of cross-cutting relationships in geological stratigraphy?

Which type of unconformity is characterized by tilted or folded sedimentary rocks overlain by horizontal sedimentary rocks?

What is the primary tool used for measuring the absolute age of rocks and fossils in radiometric dating?

Which type of unconformity is formed when sedimentary rocks overlie crystalline igneous or metamorphic rocks?

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