ASBOG Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Question: 1 / 400

Which principle explains that older rock layers are located deeper than younger layers?

Principle of Lateral Continuity

Law of Superposition

The Law of Superposition is a fundamental principle in geology that states that in any undisturbed sequence of sedimentary rocks, the oldest layers will be found at the bottom and the younger layers will be on top. This arrangement occurs because sediment accumulates over time, with new layers forming above older ones. As a result, the first sediments that were deposited are at the greatest depth, becoming increasingly younger as one moves upward through the sequence.

Understanding this principle is critical for interpreting geological history and for tasks such as dating rock formations and identifying the relative ages of different strata. This principle applies specifically to sediments that have not been disturbed by tectonic forces, allowing geologists to make inferences about the geological timeline of an area based on the order and position of rock layers.

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Principle of Cross-Cutting Relationships

Principle of Original Horizontality

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