HSC401H5 Study Guide - Final Guide: Continental Crust, Banded Iron Formation, Runaway Greenhouse Effect
23 Apr 2013
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Explain the difference between relative and absolute time. relative age scale: used more often in geology. Easier and cost/time effective: puts items in order relative to each other (ie. something is older/younger than something else) Determine the relative geologic history of a region from a diagram showing the different rocks units. Explain and apply the principles of (1) cross cutting relationships; (2) inclusions/xenoliths; (3) superposition; (4) unconformities; and (5) original horizontality. The principle of cross cutting relationships: any feature which cuts across other rocks or features must be younger. The principle of inclusions/xenoliths: any piece of rock (inclusion or xenolith) included within another rock must be older than the rock in which it is incorporated. The principle of superposition the oldest layer is at the bottom and the youngest layer is at the top. The principle of original horizontality: sedimentary layers (and lava flows) are usually originally laid down horizontally if they are not now horizontal, they have been deformed.
