Correlating and relative dating of rock units is made possible by application of the principle of
A)cross-cutting relationships.
B)faunal succession.
C)superposition.
D)All of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The principle of cross-cutting relationships, faunal succession, and superposition are all used in correlating and relative dating of rock units. The principle of cross-cutting relationships states that any rock or feature that cuts across another rock or feature is younger than the rock or feature it cuts across. Faunal succession is based on the observation that assemblages of fossils in rocks change over time, and can be used to correlate and date rock units. The principle of superposition states that in an undisturbed sequence of sedimentary rocks, the oldest rocks are at the bottom and the youngest rocks are at the top. By using these principles, geologists can determine the relative ages of rocks and their relationships to one another.

Correlating and Relative Dating of Rock Units Is Made Possible