Rock Layers
The study of the history and changes to the Earth’s surface. Geology The study of the history and changes to the Earth’s surface.
The making of sediments through weathering and erosion. Sedimentation The making of sediments through weathering and erosion.
Sediments are dropped or placed in layers. Deposition Sediments are dropped or placed in layers. These layers are called STRATA.
Processes are happening the same today as they were forever. Uniformitarianism Processes are happening the same today as they were forever.
Finding probable age of rocks by comparing them to each other. Relative Rock Age Finding probable age of rocks by comparing them to each other.
The Law of superposition Older layers are placed first, so they are further down in the ground.
Magma rises up between already formed layers of rock. Intrusion Magma rises up between already formed layers of rock.
When the rock record has a gap or rock age is different than expected. Unconformity When the rock record has a gap or rock age is different than expected.
Types of unconformities Disconformity Angular Unconformity Weathering and erosion happen before a new layer is deposited. Different angle than the rocks above it.
Impression or remnant of a former living organism. Fossil Impression or remnant of a former living organism.
Paleontology The study of fossils.