answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

In a normal sequence (ie one that has not been tectonically deformed) the oldest layer is the lowest layer - so the one at the base of the sequence is the oldest. This is called the "law of superposition".

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: When looking at layers of rock which layer is oldest?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

How can you tell what layer of rock is oldest or youngest?

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.


Which rock layer was deposited last?

The topmost rock layer is the one that was deposited last, as rock layers are typically deposited in a vertical sequence with the oldest layers at the bottom and the youngest layers at the top.


How would you know which rock layer in a canyon is the oldest?

The oldest rock layer in a canyon is typically the layer found at the bottom. This is because new layers of rock are deposited on top of older layers over time, resulting in a sequence with the oldest rocks located at the base of the canyon. Geologists use principles of stratigraphy, such as the Law of Superposition, to determine the relative ages of rock layers in a canyon.


How would you know which is the oldest layer in a rock?

You would know because the youngest rock layer is always on the top, and the oldest is always at the bottom of the canyon.


What is the definition for principal of superposition?

states that the lowest rock in layers is the oldest and the highest is the youngest rock layer


Which layers are older then layer c?

Layers A and B are older than layer C, based on the principle of superposition which states that in undisturbed sequences of rock, the oldest rock layers will be at the bottom and the youngest at the top.


Which layer of rock is the oldest?

The basement is a term sometimes used, and Cratonis another used in a continental context.The Principle of Superposition has it that in a given formation, the top layers are the youngest, and the deeper layers the oldest.


When principle states that the oldest rock layer is found at the bottom in an undisturbed stack of rock layers?

It is called Superposition.


Which is the youngest in a sereis of undisturbed rock layers where shale lies between sandstone below and limestone above?

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.


Where are the oldest organisms located in the rock layer?

The oldest organisms can generally be found in the lower layers of rock, as these layers were formed earlier than the upper layers. By examining the relative positions of different rock layers, scientists can determine the ages of the organisms found within them.


The idea that the oldest rocks will always be the bottom layer of a series of rock layers is called the principle of?

The idea that the oldest rocks will always be the bottom layer of a series of rock layers is called the principle of superposition. This principle states that in an undisturbed sequence of rock layers, the youngest rocks are at the top and the oldest are at the bottom.


Is the oldest layer of rock on bottom?

Yes, typically the oldest layer of rock is found at the bottom due to the principle of superposition, which states that in any undisturbed sequence of rock layers, the oldest layer will be at the bottom and the youngest layer at the top. This helps geologists understand the relative ages of rocks and the order in which they were deposited.