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By observation:-

If you have 3 jars of different colored sand and you pour them one after the other into a clear glass container, they will form 3 layers one on top of the other.

The oldest layer (the one you poured in first) will be at the base, underneath the other two.

The second layer, the one you poured in next will be on top of the first but underneath the last.

The third layer will be on top of all the rest and will be the one you poured in last.

Thus rocks are laid down with the older layers at the base and getting younger as you go up. This is called "the law off superposition".

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Ebba Hoeger

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Where can you find the oldest fossils in sedimentary rock layers?

The oldest fossils are typically found in the deepest sedimentary rock layers, which are located at the bottom of a rock formation. This principle is known as the law of superposition in geology, where older rock layers are found beneath younger ones.


What is the relative age of a fault that cuts across three horizontal sedimentary rock layers?

The relative age of the fault is younger than the sedimentary rock layers it cuts across. The fault must have formed after the deposition of the sedimentary rock layers, as it disrupts them.


What are the relative ages of igneous intrusion and overlying sedimentary rock layers that dome upward?

The igneous intrusion is typically younger than the overlying sedimentary rock layers in a dome structure. The intrusion must have occurred after the deposition of the sedimentary layers and caused them to deform and dome upward due to the force of the molten rock pushing through.


How do scientists use sedimentary rock to determine a fossils relative age?

Scientists can use sedimentary rock to determine a fossil's relative age by examining the layers in which the fossil is found. The principle of superposition states that in an undisturbed sequence of sedimentary rock layers, the oldest layer is at the bottom and the youngest layer is at the top. By identifying the layer in which the fossil is located, scientists can approximate its relative age compared to other fossils and rock layers.


By comparing fossils in higher sedimentary layers with fossils in lower sedimentary layers scientists can learn what?

By comparing fossils in higher sedimentary layers with fossils in lower sedimentary layers, scientists can learn about the relative ages of the fossils. This helps in understanding the sequence of events in Earth's history and the evolutionary relationships between different species.

Related Questions

Why do scientists expect to find the older layers of sedimentary rock below younger layers?

By observation:- If you have 3 jars of different colored sand and you pour them one after the other into a clear glass container, they will form 3 layers one on top of the other. The oldest layer (the one you poured in first) will be at the base, underneath the other two. The second layer, the one you poured in next will be on top of the first but underneath the last. The third layer will be on top of all the rest and will be the one you poured in last. Thus rocks are laid down with the older layers at the base and getting younger as you go up. This is called "the law off superposition".


How are sedimentary rock layers used be scientists to learn about the past?

plant and animal fossils are most often found in layers of sedimentary rocks


Where can you find the oldest fossils in sedimentary rock layers?

The oldest fossils are typically found in the deepest sedimentary rock layers, which are located at the bottom of a rock formation. This principle is known as the law of superposition in geology, where older rock layers are found beneath younger ones.


What is the relative age of a fault that cuts across three horizontal sedimentary rock layers?

The relative age of the fault is younger than the sedimentary rock layers it cuts across. The fault must have formed after the deposition of the sedimentary rock layers, as it disrupts them.


How do scientists date sedimentary rock?

They date the igneous intrusions and extrusions near the sedimentary rock layers.


What are the relative ages of igneous intrusion and overlying sedimentary rock layers that dome upward?

The igneous intrusion is typically younger than the overlying sedimentary rock layers in a dome structure. The intrusion must have occurred after the deposition of the sedimentary layers and caused them to deform and dome upward due to the force of the molten rock pushing through.


How do scientists use sedimentary rock to determine a fossils relative age?

Scientists can use sedimentary rock to determine a fossil's relative age by examining the layers in which the fossil is found. The principle of superposition states that in an undisturbed sequence of sedimentary rock layers, the oldest layer is at the bottom and the youngest layer is at the top. By identifying the layer in which the fossil is located, scientists can approximate its relative age compared to other fossils and rock layers.


One of the key principles of relative dating is the law of superposition which states that?

Younger layers of sedimentary rock are deposited on older layers


What is the age of an intrusion of igneous rock in relation to the sedimentary rock layers through which it passed?

It is younger.


What is the The age of an intrusion of igneous rock in relation to the sedimentary rock layers through which it passes?

It is younger.


What is the age of an igneous intrusion in relation to the sedimentary rock layers it passes through?

It is younger than them.


By comparing fossils in higher sedimentary layers with fossils in lower sedimentary layers scientists can learn what?

By comparing fossils in higher sedimentary layers with fossils in lower sedimentary layers, scientists can learn about the relative ages of the fossils. This helps in understanding the sequence of events in Earth's history and the evolutionary relationships between different species.