Coach- The principle of superposition: in a sequence of sedimentary layers that has not been overturned, each layer is younger than the one on which it rests.
- The principle of original horizontality: sediments and lava flows are laid down horizontally, or nearly so — slightly sloping at the edges of a basin.
- The principle of lateral continuity: within a basin, a layer extends continuously in every direction until it thins out at the basin’s edge or against an obstacle; a layer cut by a valley continues on the other side.
- The principle of cross-cutting relationships: a body or structure that cuts across rocks — a dyke, a fault, an erosion surface — is younger than the rocks it cuts.
- The principle of faunal succession: fossil taxa succeed one another in the same order in every region, so that rocks holding the same assemblage are of the same age.
Earth and Space Sciences · Glossary
What is Principles of stratigraphy?
Also known as: superposition, principle of · original horizontality, principle of · lateral continuity, principle of · cross-cutting relationships, principle of · faunal succession, principle of