Visualize five horizontal sedimentary strata exposed in a cliff or canyon wall identified by consecutive numbers, 1 being the lowest bed and 5 being the highest. Which of the following statements concerning the strata are TRUE?
A)bed 4 is older than bed 2
B)bed 5 is the oldest
C)bed 3 is older than beds 2 and 4
D)beds l and 3 are older than bed 4

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a sequence of undisturbed horizontal sedimentary layers, the principle of superposition states that the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top. Therefore, bed 1 is the oldest, followed by bed 2, bed 3, bed 4, and bed 5 being the youngest. Thus, beds 1 and 3 are older than bed 4.

Visualize Five Horizontal Sedimentary Strata Exposed in a Cliff or Canyon