Final answer:
Relative dating is the study of Earth layers to determine the sequence of events and age objects found based on their position within stratigraphic layers, without providing exact numerical ages.
Step-by-step explanation:
The study of earth layers in order to date objects found is principally referred to as relative dating. Geologists and archaeologists analyze stratigraphic layers to determine the sequence of events and the relative ages of fossils or artifacts within the Earth's strata. The principle behind this is the law of superposition, which asserts that the lower layers are presumed to be older than the layers above them, given that soil and rock layers are deposited successively over time. Disruptions to these layers can occur due to natural phenomena or human activities. Relative dating provides a comparative sequence of events, from the earliest to the most recent, without specifying the exact numerical ages of the rock layers.
Another key aspect of relative dating is the use of index fossils or artifacts found within specific strata. These 'indicator artifacts' have characteristics that allow scientists to establish relative timelines. In sedimentary rocks, geologists utilize the principles of lithostratigraphy (rock layers) and biostratigraphy (fossil content) to interpret the stratigraphy of a region and to correlate it across different areas. Additionally, seismic surveys and other techniques aid geologists in visualizing subsurface strata, enabling further insights into Earth's historical geologic events.