Rock Layers Show Past Events — Reading Comprehension

The Earth is made up of many different layers of rock. These layers, called rock layers, can tell us a lot about what happened on Earth long ago. Each layer forms over time as materials like mud, sand, and small pieces of rock settle and get pressed together. This process creates sedimentary rocks.

One important idea is the Law of Superposition. This law says that in a stack of rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom, and the youngest layers are at the top. Scientists, called geologists, use this law to figure out the order of events in Earth's history.

Sometimes, fossils are found inside sedimentary rocks. Fossils are the remains or traces of plants and animals that lived long ago. By studying fossils in different layers, geologists can learn what kinds of living things existed at different times. For example, dinosaur bones found in lower layers tell us dinosaurs lived before the animals found in higher layers.

Rock layers can also show past events like volcanic eruptions or earthquakes. A layer of ash from a volcano or a crack caused by an earthquake can be seen in the rocks. This helps scientists understand how Earth has changed over millions of years.

People use knowledge of rock layers in real life. For example, workers look at rock layers to find places with oil, water, or minerals. Builders check rock layers before making roads or tall buildings to make sure the ground is safe and strong.

Interesting Fact: Some rock layers are so old they formed over 3 billion years ago, long before the first plants or animals lived on land!

What are rock layers made of?

What do fossils show us?

Who studies rocks and Earth's history?

What does the Law of Superposition say?

If fossils are deeper, what does it mean?

What could a layer of ash show?

Rock layers help find oil. True or false?

What is a fossil?