The answer is the principle of inclusions.
The Law of Inclusions basically states that any rock (or mineral or fossil) that is entirely within another rock must be older than the rock containing it. The rock containing the inclusion formed around the already existing rock, thus preserving it inside. For example, a fossil bone found in limestone is necessarily older than the limestone surrounding it.
The relative age of the youngest rock layer is determined by the principle of superposition, which states that in an undisturbed sequence of sedimentary rocks, the layers at the bottom are older than those at the top. Therefore, the youngest rock layer is the one that is located on the surface or topmost layer of the formation. This layer has been deposited most recently compared to the layers beneath it.
In undisturbed rock layers, the principle of superposition states that the youngest rock layers are on top and the oldest are at the bottom. This means that the rock layer closest to the surface is the youngest, while the layer at the bottom is the oldest. Additionally, the principle of cross-cutting relationships helps determine relative ages by looking at how faults and intrusions cut across rock layers.
The shale layer is the youngest in the series. In undisturbed rock layers, the Law of Superposition states that the youngest layer is on top and the oldest is at the bottom. So, in this case, the limestone would be the oldest layer, followed by sandstone, and then shale.
The answer is the principle of inclusions.
The Law of Inclusions basically states that any rock (or mineral or fossil) that is entirely within another rock must be older than the rock containing it. The rock containing the inclusion formed around the already existing rock, thus preserving it inside. For example, a fossil bone found in limestone is necessarily older than the limestone surrounding it.
The one closest to the surface because rock layers are laid down one on top of another.
On the top
The principle of superposition states that in an undisturbed sequence of rock layers, the youngest will be at the top, the oldest at the bottom.
Clay
According to the Law of Superposition, in a depositional sequence of undisturbed rock layers, the top layer of rock is the most recent to form from the processes of lithification or eruption of lava onto the surface, and are therefore the youngest rock layers.
Superposition is the theory that the rock layer that is on top is the youngest and the layer of rock on the bottom is the oldest.
The relative age of the youngest rock layer is determined by the principle of superposition, which states that in an undisturbed sequence of sedimentary rocks, the layers at the bottom are older than those at the top. Therefore, the youngest rock layer is the one that is located on the surface or topmost layer of the formation. This layer has been deposited most recently compared to the layers beneath it.
1. If a set of rock layers has been disturbed by movement of tectonic plates, the youngest layer may no longer be on top.
In undisturbed rock layers, the principle of superposition states that the youngest rock layers are on top and the oldest are at the bottom. This means that the rock layer closest to the surface is the youngest, while the layer at the bottom is the oldest. Additionally, the principle of cross-cutting relationships helps determine relative ages by looking at how faults and intrusions cut across rock layers.
The shale layer is the youngest in the series. In undisturbed rock layers, the Law of Superposition states that the youngest layer is on top and the oldest is at the bottom. So, in this case, the limestone would be the oldest layer, followed by sandstone, and then shale.