62.2: Fossil identification and use in correlation, part 2
- Page ID
- 23155
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Now that you’ve learned to recognize the various fossils in this VFE in part 1, it’s time to apply your new knowledge to a hypothetical region.
Part 2: On the basis of their fossil content, figure out the geologic ages of the strata in this cross section. The cross section shows the position and relation of the various geologic units, “A” through “H,” as well as the unconformities that separate some of them (“1” through “4”). Links appear below the cross section that will allow you to examine fossils from each geologic unit.

Two hand samples of the one kind of fossil found in Unit A:
Age of Unit A: _______________
One sample of the one kind of fossil found in Unit B:
Age of Unit B: _______________
One sample of the one kind of fossil found in Unit C:
Age of Unit C: _______________
Three total fossils found in Unit D.
First fossil:
Second fossil (two outcrops):
Third fossil (one outcrop and one sample):
Age of Unit D: _______________
One useful fossil found in Unit E (one outcrop and one sample of fossil-rich sediment from the site of the outcrop):
Age of Unit E: _______________
Three fossils found in Unit F.
First fossil:
Second fossil:
Third fossil:
Age of Unit F: _______________
Two total fossils found in Unit G.
First fossil (three specimens):
Second fossil (one sample):
Age of Unit G: _______________
Here are two outcrops of Unit H. The view should load with the most useful fossil at the center of the view.
Age of Unit H: _______________
How much time is missing along unconformity “1?” ________________
How much time is missing along unconformity “2?” ________________
How much time is missing along unconformity “3?” ________________
How much time is missing along unconformity “4?” ________________