In undisturbed layered rock, the oldest layer lies at the bottom and each layer above it is younger. Stated by Nicolas Steno in 1669, this simple observation is the foundation of stratigraphy: it lets a geologist read a cliff face as a sequence of events in order, and it is the principle every relative time scale, and ultimately the geologic time scale, is built on. This description is adapted from Wikipedia contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0; changes were made. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Facts
Origin YearStated by Nicolas Steno in his 1669 Prodromus. Connections
Associated With
Sibling relative-dating principles from the same stratigraphic toolkit; superposition orders undisturbed horizontal layers, cross-cutting relationships orders a feature against whatever it cuts through.
The fossil content of rocks together with the law of superposition helps determine the time sequence of sedimentary rocks.
Source Principle of Faunal Succession (Wikipedia)
Both are among Steno's laws, the founding principles of stratigraphy.
Source Principle of Original Horizontality (Wikipedia)
The law of superposition is among the principles stratigraphy works by.
Source Stratigraphy (Wikipedia)
In Discipline
Source Law of Superposition (Wikipedia)
Precursor To
The relative ordering superposition provides is what the geologic time scale grew from.
Source Law of Superposition (Wikipedia)
Proposed By
Source Law of Superposition (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Law of Superposition (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationLead sectionQuote, Lead section
In its plainest form, it states that in undeformed stratigraphic sequences, the oldest strata will lie at the bottom of the sequence, while newer material stacks upon the surface to form new deposits over time.
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