Geology of the National Parks

Q1. Use the correct ONE WORD geologic term to identify the particular type of unconformity this man is pointing to with his hands:

Q2.Question (10 points): In the area below use a word or phrase to answer each of the 3 questions about these rocks in the Grand Canyon NP.

1) Start with the oldest layer – Layer A:

1. What is the name of this formation in the Grand Canyon?

2. What type of rock is this: igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary?

3. What is the name of the other rock type (but not shown in this picture) that is associated with Layer A in the Grand Canyon?

4. What type of rock is this second rock unit: igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary?

5. Using the Geologic Time Scale (Lec 3 & Lec. 6), in what geologic time Period did both of these rock types form?

2) Next, write 2 short sentences to describe the 2 primary events what happened between Layer A and Layer B. How much time does this represent?

3) Finally, answer these questions about the younger Layer B:

1. What is the name of this formation in the Grand Canyon?

2. What type of rock is this: igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary?

3. Using the Geologic Time Scale (Lec 3 & Lec 6), in which geologic time Period did

Layer B form?

Q3. In the area below write 3 paragraphs with a total of at least 18-20 lines of text using well-formed, complex sentences that describe the significance of this feature for the science of geology. The answers for this question come directly from the slides in Lecture 2 and Lecture 6. Do not use online sources, including Al, to answer these questions.

Paragraph 1 = 15 points. Relate this feature to relative dating techniques, that were used prior to radiometric dating to determine the sequence of geologic events shown in this

Image. This first paragraph must include and define all the relevant Principles of Relative Dating seen in this image.

1. (A) Start by listing and defining all the Principles of Relative Dating that relate to the formation of Layer A.

(B). Next, describe the complete sequence of events for the formation of Layer A, starting with the probable original rock type for Layer A (refer to Lec. 6). Include how Layer A is associated with the second rock type of the same age (but not shown in this image).

2. Describe the 2 primary events that occurred between Layer A and Layer B. What is the time interval between Layer A and Layer B?

3. Next for Layer B describe the complete sequence of events to explain how it formed.

Paragraph #2 = 5 points: Describe basic information about Radiometric Dating techniques, including how ions decay and timing of decay. How are radiometric dates used

with relative dating? What information does radiometric dating provide about the age of the Earth?

Paragraph #3 = 5 points: Do you believe it is necessary to know the absolute radiometric dates to determine the sequence of events in this image? Why or why not? If you see

these relationships in another location, what will be your interpretation for the events that caused such relationships in that location?