What is the law of superposition?

The law of superposition is a foundational principle in geology that describes the relative ages of sedimentary rock layers (strata). It states that in an undisturbed sequence of sedimentary rocks, the oldest layers will be located at the bottom, while the younger layers will be deposited on top. This concept is essential for understanding the chronological order of geological events and the relative timing of sediment deposition. By applying this principle, geologists can infer the history of the Earth and the processes that have shaped its surface over time.

This principle plays a crucial role in stratigraphy, which is the study of rock layers and layering. It helps scientists piece together the geological history of an area by allowing them to assess the relative ages of different rock formations. Understanding this law is vital for interpreting rock sequences and for reconstructing past environmental conditions.