How do geologists use the idea of superposition ?

1 Answer
David Drayer
Jan 9, 2018

To establish the relative ages of strata.

Explanation:

The law of super position states that the older strata are always found below the younger strata that are on top of them.

However the law is not absolute. Often the strata with fossils believed to be older are found on top of strata with fossils that are believed to be younger. This is called an unconformity.

Examples of such unconformities where the laws of super position are violated are the Alps and the Appalachian Mountains.

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