Geologists can determine the relative age of features on a planet because a. the ones on top must be older. b. the ones on top must be younger. c. the larger ones must be older. d. the larger ones must be younger.

The principle of superposition is a fundamental idea in geology. It helps us understand the sequence of geological layers. In a sequence of undisturbed rock layers, the layer at the bottom is the oldest, and the layers get progressively younger as you move upward. This principle is very useful for determining relative age. For example, if you find a fossil in one layer and another fossil in a layer above it, the fossil in the bottom layer is older. This principle allows geologists to piece together Earth's history. The concept is simple but very powerful for understanding the chronological order of rock formations.

• The bottom layer is the oldest.
• Layers above get progressively younger.
• Used to determine the sequence of events in Earth's history.

Relative age tells us the age of a geological feature compared to other features. Unlike absolute age, which is about finding the exact number of years, relative age places events in the sequence they occurred. If you know the relative ages, you can create a timeline of geological events. By using the principle of superposition, geologists can determine which layers are older and which are younger. This is crucial for understanding how our planet has changed over time. It helps us know which events happened first and which came later. By comparing layers and their contents, such as fossils, we can learn a lot about Earth's past.

• Relative age compares features to each other.
• Helps create a timeline of events.
• Uses principles like superposition to determine order.

Geological layers, or strata, are layers of sedimentary rock that accumulate over time. Each layer can tell a story about the environment at the time it formed. These layers include clues like fossils, minerals, and even ripple marks from ancient water. By studying these layers, geologists can infer climate, events, and even life forms that existed in the past. The arrangement of these layers, as explained by the principle of superposition, provides a record of Earth's history. When you see a stack of rocks, you're essentially looking at a timeline. Each layer represents a different period, with the oldest at the bottom and the youngest at the top. This information is critical for understanding not just the sequence of events but also how different factors shaped our planet.

• Layers accumulate over time.
• Include clues like fossils and minerals.
• Form a timeline of Earth's history.