EARTH SCIENCE

Worksheet 5

I. Define the following terms:

a. STRATA
- The horizontal layers present in most sedimentary rocks
b. STRATIFICATION
- The process of creating the layers of rocks.
II. Describe how layers of rocks (stratified rocks) are formed. Briefly discuss each
process.
- There are four process of how the layers of rock (stratified rocks) are formed.
 The first process is WEATHERING where huge sedimentary rocks are
broken down to smaller pieces. This small piece comes together with other
rocks and forms sediment.
 The second process is EROSION where the lightweight sediments are
transported into one place to another by wind, water, and other natural agents.
 The third process is DEPOSITION where the sediments together with other
materials such as fossils will settle to a certain place after being eroded.
 The last process is called COMPACTION where the deposited sediments
will begin to stick together, cemented with clay with other minerals and
fossils, and compacted together creating a layer of sedimentary rock.

After a long time, another layer of sedimentary rock will form and piled up
forming a stratified sedimentary rock.
III. Compare and contrast Absolute and Relative Dating using a Venn
diagram.

ABSOLUTE DATING RELATIVE DATING

Methods used Method of determining the age

Method of determining the in determining of rock in each layer by
age of rocks in numerical the age of rock. identifying the relative order of
age. previous events.
Helps scientist
in discovering Determining which fossils or
Determining the actual
how places on events came first, second,
age of rock using
earth changed third, etc.
radioactive decay.
through time.
Used geologic sequencing.
Used radioactive decay.

Alyanna Ysabelle G. Vistan | 11 - STEM