LAB: Relative and Absolute Dating

The purpose of the lab was to conduct information based on relative and absolute dating. Even
though the lab was a virtual lab I learned many things about rock layers and their relative age. In
the lab, I used the law of superposition to determine the relative ages and rock layers. I learned
that in order to determine the age of the layers relative to each other, geologists apply relative
dating. Throughout the lab, I arranged the layers from oldest to youngest using a geologic time
scale, this helped me understand earth’s history by identifying what was happening to Earth.

Here are some charts that helped to show what I’ve learned throughout the lab!
TABLE A - Arrangement of Layers and Description of Rocks

Youngest Conglomerate

Breccia

Shale

Oldest Dolostone

TABLE B - Arrangement of Layers and Description of Rocks with Index Fossils

Youngest Conglomerate

Shale

Limestone

Oldest Sandstone

TABLE C - Arrangement of Layers with Rock Intrusion and Description of Rocks

Youngest Shale

Limestone

Basalt

Oldest Sandstone
TABLE D - Absolute Age of Rock Layers

Basalt 490-433 mya

Limestone with 417-359 mya

unknown fossil

Sandstone with 542-490 mya

trilobite

Shale with 299-250 mya

ammonite

TABLE E - Arrangement of Rocks in Geologic Time Scale and Identity of Unknown Fossil

Youngest Shale 299-250 mya

Limestone 417-359 mya

Basalt 490-433 mya

Oldest Sandstone 542-490 mya

In conclusion, from this lab, I learned that both Relative and Absolute dating is used to
determine the age of rocks and fossils. In order to determine the age of the layers relative to
each other, geologists apply relative dating. Absolute dating is used to determine an age on a
specified time scale. Some advice I would give to make this lab better and more enjoyable
would be sure to take ALL notes! Even if there is information you may already know, please be
sure to still take notes on! If you do choose the virtual lab, try drawing some charts, or actually
drawing pictures of the rocks layers to make this lab enjoyable. Spice up your notes by drawing
pictures of the rocks basically anywhere around the page! From my experience I feel as if that
would have made this lab even better! Some errors I came upon were arranging the rock layers
from oldest to youngest on the geologic time scale, be sure you are looking at the top of the
time scale to know which order you are going in!