Geologic Time and Rock Records Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering foundational concepts of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, unconformities, geological eras, and geologic time measurement from the lecture.

Quartzite

A metamorphic rock formed when loose sand grains are subjected to high temperature and pressure conditions deep underground without melting.

Metamorphism

The geologic process of subjecting rock to increased heat and pressure to produce metamorphic rock without melting it.

Conglomerate

A sedimentary rock formed when rounded rocks or boulders are glued together, commonly deposited on rocky ocean or lake beaches.

Marine Fossils

Fossils of ocean organisms preserved within rock layers, serving as evidence of past ocean activity and sea level changes.

Unconformity

A buried erosional surface within the rock record.

Angular Unconformity

A buried erosional surface where the rock layers below the unconformity are tilted at an angle relative to the layers above it.

Sicker Point

A site in Scotland along the North Sea known as the most famous angular unconformity in the world.

James Hutton

A former medical doctor known as the father of modern geology, who discovered and interpreted the famous angular unconformity at Sicker Point.

Relative Geologic Time Scale

A timeline that orders geologic events chronologically relative to one another without specifying exact numerical ages.

Precambrian Era

The oldest era on the geologic calendar, located at the very bottom of the geologic time scale.

Paleozoic Era

The geologic era meaning "old life," defined by the appearance of the first normal shelled organisms.

Mesozoic Era

The geologic era meaning "medium life," known as the age of the dinosaurs.

Cenozoic Era

The youngest geologic era, meaning "recent life" and known as the age of the mammals.

Absolute Geologic Time

The precise numerical age or date stating exactly when a geologic event occurred, often determined using radioactive clocks.