Question

kaiparowits plateau
glen canyon
use the law of superposition to choose the correct
answer for the following questions about rock layers
and relative age.
which layer is older than layer 6?
which layers are younger than layer 4?
which layers were deposited before layer 5?

Explanation:

Step1: Apply the law of superposition

The law of superposition states that in undisturbed sedimentary rock layers, the older layers are at the bottom and the younger layers are at the top.

Step2: Determine the layer older than Layer 6

Looking at the rock - layer diagram, Layer 7 is below Layer 6. So, Layer 7 is older than Layer 6.

Step3: Determine the layers younger than Layer 4

Layers above Layer 4 (i.e., Layers 1, 2, 3) are younger than Layer 4 as they are deposited on top.

Step4: Determine the layers deposited before Layer 5

Layers below Layer 5 (i.e., Layers 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) were deposited before Layer 5 as per the law of superposition.

Answer:

• For the question "Which layer is older than Layer 6?": Layer 7
• For the question "Which layers are younger than Layer 4?": Layers 1, 2, 3
• For the question "Which layers were deposited before Layer 5?": Layers 6, 7, 8, 9, 10