Earth Landscapes 4-ESS1-1

Absolute dating

Any method of measuring the age of an object, like tree rings or carbon dating, is called absolute dating. Absolute dating is a way to find out how old something is by looking at scientific clues.

Erosion

The process in which rock is worn away and transported by water, wind or ice is called erosion. Erosion is when bits of rock or soil are moved from one place to another by natural forces like wind or water.

Fossil

The preserved traces and remains of an organism that lived long ago. Fossil. A fossil is a preserved part or impression of an ancient plant or animal.

Geologic time scale

A timeline of Earth's history based on major changes. Geologic time scale. The geologic time scale is a way scientists organize Earth's history into sections based on important events and changes.

Index fossil

A fossil from an organism that existed for a short time, it is used to determine the age of other fossils. Index fossil. An index fossil is a special fossil that helps scientists figure out how old other rocks or fossils are.

Relative dating

A method of comparing fossils or rocks to determine which is older is called relative dating. It helps us figure out the order of events by seeing which rocks or fossils are older or younger.

Weathering

The processes which break down rocks. Weathering. Weathering is when rocks are broken into smaller pieces by wind, water, or other natural forces.