LEQ: How do geologists and paleontologists determine the relative age of rocks? Part 1 Key Terms: Absolute Age, Relative Age, Law of Superposition, 1

Absolute Age Turn to page in the Earth’s Surface textbook. Absolute age is defined as the number of years since an object or organism formed. Examples: – Mr. Kraynak is 59 years old. – Mr. Pilsitz is 35 years old. In the text box on your notes sheet, create a statement of absolute age. 2

Relative Age Relative Age Relative age is defined as the age of an object or organism as compared to other objects or organisms. Examples: –Mr. Kraynak is older than Mr. Pilsitz. –Mr. Pilsitz is younger than Mr. Kraynak. In the text box on your notes sheet, create a statement of relative age. 3

Classifying Absolute VS. Relative Age Classify each of the following statements about children in a family as either an example of absolute or relative age. 1.Anthony is the youngest. 2.Melony is 4 years old. 3.Michael is older than Amanda. 4.Amanda is 16 years old. 5.Ashley is older than Melony, but younger than Amanda. 4

Children in the Family 1.Anthony is the youngest. Relative Age 2.Melony is 4 years old. Absolute Age 3.Michael is older than Amanda. Relative Age 4.Amanda is 16 years old. Absolute Age 5.Ashley is older than Melony, but younger than Amanda. Relative Age Place the children in order from the youngest to the oldest ! 5

Children in the Family Correct Order Anthony Melony Ashley Amanda Michael 6

Interpreting Sequence Read the following story carefully. Then determine the correct order for the sentences. Be aware that the order has been mixed up! 1. I got out bread, peanut butter and jelly. 2.I ate the sandwich. 3.I put the two pieces of bread together. 4.I spread a layer of jelly on another piece of bread. 5.I was hungry. 6.I spread a layer of peanut butter on a piece bread. First _5_, Second _1_, Third _6_, Fourth _4_, Fifth _3_, Last _2_ How did you determine the order of the sentences? Geologists apply the concepts we’ve learned and a few laws of geology to determine the relative age of rock layers. 7

Position of Rock Layers Law of Superposition states that: – In horizontal sedimentary rock layers Oldest layer is at the bottom. Each higher layer is younger than the layer below it. Youngest layer is at the top. Geologists and paleontologists use this law to determine the relative age of rock layers. 8

North Rim of the Grand Canyon The following is a picture taken of the north rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Observe the picture, and see if you can pick out the different rock layers. 9

Supai Sandstone Hermit Shale Coconino Sandstone Toroweap Limestone Kaibab Limestone Redwall Limestone Journal Entry: 1. Which layer is the oldest? Journal Entry: 2. Which layer is the youngest? Journal Entry: 3. Is the Hermit Shale older or younger than the Coconino Sandstone? Journal Entry: 4. In which layer would you expect to find the oldest fossils? 10

North Rim of the Grand Canyon Journal entry 1 – Redwall Limestone Journal entry 2 – Kaibab Limestone Journal entry 3 – Older Journal entry 4 – Redwall Limestone 11

Other “Laws” of Geology In part II of the lesson, we will discover the other laws of geology geologists use as other clues to determine the relative age of rock 12