Which rocks are most useful in unraveling Earth's geologic history?
A)phaneritic igneous rocks
B)high grade metamorphic rocks
C)fossiliferous sedimentary rocks
D)meteorites

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fossiliferous sedimentary rocks contain a record of ancient life and can be used to date layers of rock and determine the environment in which they formed. They are the best tool for reconstructing Earth's geologic history.

Option A, phaneritic igneous rocks, are coarse-grained igneous rocks that form from slow cooling and crystallization of magma. While they can provide information about the composition of the original magma, they do not contain information about the history of the Earth.

Option B, high grade metamorphic rocks, can provide information about the temperatures and pressures experienced by the rocks during metamorphism. However, they usually do not contain fossils and may not provide a detailed history of Earth's geologic past.

Option D, meteorites, can provide information about the early solar system but are not typically used to unravel Earth's geologic history.

Which Rocks Are Most Useful in Unraveling Earth's Geologic History