Question

The Law of Superposition says that:

a. sedimentary layers are deposited in a time sequence with the youngest on the bottom and the oldest on the top.
b. sedimentary layers are deposited in a time sequence with the oldest on the bottom and the youngest on the top.
c. sedimentary layers are deposited in a time sequence with all layers arranged next to each other making it impossible to determine what is older and younger
d. sedimentary layers are not deposited in a time sequence

Answer 1

The Law of Superposition indicates that oldest sedimentary rock layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top, in undisturbed sequences.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Law of Superposition states that in undisturbed sedimentary rock layers, the oldest layer is at the bottom, with each higher layer being younger than the layers below it. This principle is crucial for geologists and archaeologists when determining the relative ages of rock formations and the fossils within them, allowing for an understanding of the chronological sequence of geological and archaeological events. When layers of sediment are originally deposited, they do so horizontally, so any subsequent tilting or folding occurs after deposition, preserving the original chronology unless the layers are disrupted by external forces.