| Term | Definition |
|---|
| uniformitarianism | a principle that states that geologic processes that occurred in the past can be explained by currenct geologic processes |
| catastrophism | a principle that states that geologic change occurs suddenly |
| paleontology | the scientific study of fossils |
| relative dating | any method of determining whether an event or object is older or younger than other events or objects |
| superposition | a principle that states that younger rocks lie above older rocks if the layers have not been disturbed |
| geologic column | an arrangement of rock layers in which the oldest rocks are at the bottom |
| unconformity | a break in the geologic recrod created when rock layers are eroded or when sediment is not deposited for a long period of time |
| disconformity | when part of a sequence of parallel rock layers is missing |
| nonconformity | when sedimentary rock layers lie on top of an eroded surface of nonlayered igneous or metamorphic rock. They represent millions of years of missing time. |
| angular unconformity | found between horizontal layers of sedimentary rock and rock layers that are tilted or folded. |
Combine with other sets
Share on Facebook
Share on MySpace