In geology, what does the principle of superposition state?

The principle of superposition is a fundamental concept in geology that states that in an undisturbed sequence of sedimentary rock layers, the oldest layers are located at the bottom, and the youngest layers are found at the top. This principle relies on the law of gravity and the sedimentary processes that typically accumulate materials over time, ensuring that newer deposits are laid down over older ones.

By applying this principle, geologists can understand the relative ages of rock formations and the order in which geological events occurred throughout Earth's history. This is crucial for constructing the geological time scale and for the field of stratigraphy, which involves studying rock layers and layering. Understanding superposition allows geologists to piece together the chronological sequence of sediment deposition and the development of geological features.