Geology 101: Exam 1 Study Guide Questions And Correct Detailed Answers

Catastrophism is the idea that _______. {Ans: } Earth's landscapes have been shaped by sudden worldwide disasters; Earth's landscapes have been shaped suddenly by unknown forces not in operation todayWhich of the following best explains the principle of superposition? {Ans: } All sedimentary deposits accumulate on older rock or sediment layers.What is the primary principle used by geologists to separate periods of geological time, and ultimately construct the geological time scale. Why? {Ans: } Fossil succession --- This allows correlations of similar age rock strata found in different locations across the Earth.Strata {Ans: } is a layer of sedimentary rock or soil with internally consistent characteristics that distinguish it from other layersReferring to the Geological Time Scale, why do the "periods" represent different spans of time? {Ans: } The separation of "periods" is based upon fossil succession only.Which of the following explains best the difference between a hypothesis and a theory? {Ans: } A hypothesis is developed to explain observations, but a theory is a hypothesis that has passed a series of tests.Three rock groups {Ans: } igneous, sedimentary, metamorphicRelative dating involves ________. {Ans: } placing events in their proper sequence or order without knowing their numerical ages in years;