A geologist finds some tilted sedimentary rock layers.

Which conclusions can the geologist draw by looking at the rock layers? Check all that apply.

Their absolute age is 600 million years.

They were tilted after they were deposited.

They were originally deposited horizontally.

The youngest layer was originally deposited as the bottom layer.

Their relative ages have not changed even though they are tilted.

Answer is:

B - They were tilted after they were deposited.

C - They were originally deposited horizontally.

E - Their relative ages have not changed even though they are tilted.

X Their absolute age is 600 million years

√ They were tilted after they were deposited.

√ They were originally deposited horizontally.

X The youngest layer was originally deposited as the bottom layer.

√ Their relative ages have not changed even though they are tilted.

In Geology there are some rules that are used to determine how rocks were created and how they changed through time. These laws also determine which rock formations are older or younger.

The Law of Superposition states that rock on topis usually younger than those deposited below. By understanding the Law of Superposition we can make general statements about the ages of these rock units.

The Law of Original Horizontality suggests that all rock layers were originally deposited horizontally and can later be deformed. By this, we infer that something must have happened to the rocks to make them tilted. This includes mountain building events, earthquakes, and faulting.

The Law of Lateral Continuity suggests that all rock layers are laterally continuous and may be broken up or displaced by later events. This can happen when a river or stream erodes a portion of the rock layers. This can also happen when faulting occurs.