GEOL 102 Exam 1 GMU Questions And Answers With Latest Study Quiz

Physical geology vs. Historical geology Physical geology deals with materials and processes that make up the Earth, Historical geology is applying chronology to events in Earth's past Relative age Determination that something is younger or older than something else Absolute Age Precise measurement of how much time has passed since something was created or modified Fossils Remains, traces, or other indications of life Principal of Original Horizontality Sediment is deposited in layers that are originally horizontal Principle of Original Lateral Continuity Rock layers extend in all directions until they thin out, encounter a barrier, or grade laterally into another rock type Concept of Uniformitarianism The present is the key to understanding the past. Past history of Earth must be explained by what is happening now Principle of Actualism Natural laws do not change with time