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Chapter 12: Problem 9

The letters following each Review Question refer to the corresponding Learning Objective from the Chapter Opener. How are growth rings and ice layering useful in determining the ages of geologic events? (F)

Short Answer

Expert verified
Growth rings and ice layering are useful in determining the ages of geologic events, as they provide precise dating information and insights into past environmental conditions. Growth rings, or tree rings, form concentric layers in trees due to seasonal changes in growth rates, and counting these rings allows researchers to estimate the age of a tree and related geologic events. Ice layering, found within glaciers and ice sheets, preserves snapshots of past atmospheric conditions, and analyzing these layers helps determine past climate conditions and date geologic events. Both methods contribute significantly to our understanding of Earth's history and the processes that shape our planet.

Step by step solution

01

Define growth rings

Growth rings, also known as tree rings or dendrochronology, are concentric layers of growth in trees (and other plants) that occur due to seasonal changes in growth rates. Each year, a tree forms new layers of cellulose-rich wood, creating a visible ring. Counting these rings allows researchers to estimate the age of a tree, and by extension, date related geologic events.
02

Define ice layering

Ice layering, also known as ice core dating or glaciochronology, is the process of determining the age of ice layers within glaciers and ice sheets. Ice layers form as snow accumulates and is compacted into ice, trapping air bubbles and preserving a snapshot of past atmospheric conditions. Researchers analyze the gases, dust particles, and isotopes within these layers to determine past climate conditions and date geologic events.
03

Explain the usefulness of growth rings in geologic dating

Growth rings provide precise dating information for events occurring during the life of a tree. By correlating tree-ring patterns from different trees and regions, researchers can create a continuous and highly accurate chronological record. Growth rings can also provide information about past environmental conditions, such as changes in temperature or precipitation, which can help to date geologic events such as volcanic eruptions, floods, and landslides.
04

Explain the usefulness of ice layering in geologic dating

Ice layering is useful in dating geologic events that have occurred over long timescales, as it can extend millions of years into the past. Like growth rings, ice layers can provide information about past climate conditions, which can be used to date events such as ice ages, volcanic eruptions, and major shifts in ocean circulation patterns. Additionally, ice cores can contain evidence of events such as meteorite impacts, allowing scientists to precisely date these occurrences.
05

Summary

In conclusion, growth rings and ice layering are valuable tools for determining the ages of geologic events. Growth rings provide a highly accurate record for the lifetime of a tree and can provide insights into past environmental conditions. Ice layering allows researchers to probe much further back in time and offers information about climate conditions and other geologic events. Both methods contribute to our understanding of Earth's history and the processes that shape our planet.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

The letters following each Review Question refer to the corresponding Learning Objective from the Chapter Opener. Describe the principles that allow us to determine the relative ages of geologic events. (B)

The letters following each Review Question refer to the corresponding Learning Objective from the Chapter Opener. Contrast numerical age with relative age. (A)

The letters following each Review Question refer to the corresponding Learning Objective from the Chapter Opener. What is a stratigraphic formation? Describe two different methods of correlating formations. How was correlation used to develop the geologic column? (D)

The letters following each Review Question refer to the corresponding Learning Objective from the Chapter Opener. How do geologists obtain an isotopic date? What does the age of an igneous rock mean? What does the age of a metamorphic rock mean? (E)

The letters following each Review Question refer to the corresponding Learning Objective from the Chapter Opener. How does the principle of fossil succession help determine relative ages? (B)
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