👤 whose
Whose work first explained superposition in rock layers?
Earth ScienceRelative Dating
Quick Answer
Nicolaus Steno formulated the principle of superposition in the 17th century. It states that in undisturbed layers, the oldest rocks are at the bottom.
The Full Story
Nicolaus Steno's principle of superposition is one of the most important rules in geology. He showed that sedimentary layers are deposited one on top of another over time, so lower layers are generally older than those above them. This simple idea allows geologists to reconstruct the sequence of events in Earth's past. It is still one of the first principles used in relative dating.
Key Facts
1.Principle developed in the 1600s
2.Oldest layers are usually at the bottom
3.Used in relative dating
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"A 17th-century idea that lets geologists read the age of rocks."