Four rules of relative dating

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Let's say, in this set of rock strata, that we found a single intrusion of igneous rock punching through the sedimentary layers.

We could assume that this igneous intrusion must have happened after the formation of the strata. If it had happened before the layers had formed, then we wouldn't see it punching through all the layers; we would only see it going through the layers that had existed at the time that it happened.

The newer layers would have formed a cap overtop. The Principle of Cross-Cutting Relationships states that rock formations that cut across other rocks must be younger than the rocks that they cut across. The same idea applies to fault lines that slide rock layers apart from each other; a fault that cuts across a set of strata must have occurred after the formation of that set. Geologists find the cross-cutting principle especially useful for establishing the relative ages of faults and igneous intrusions in sedimentary rocks.

Sometimes, geologists find strange things inside the strata, like chunks of metamorphic or igneous rock. These items are called inclusions - foreign bodies of rock or mineral enclosed within another rock. Because the sedimentary rock had to have formed around the object for it to be encased within the layers, geologists can establish relative dates between the inclusions and the surrounding rock. Inclusions are always older than the sedimentary rock within which they are found.

Other times, geologists discover patterns in rock layers that give them confusing information.

There may be a layer missing in the strata, or a set of sedimentary rock on top of metamorphic rock. These interfaces between discontinuous layers of rock are called unconformities. They complicate the task of relative dating, because they don't give an accurate picture of what happened in geologic history. For example, say we have a layer missing from the rock strata. That layer may have eroded away before the next layer was built upon the exposed surface. So, we'll never know what type of rock used to be there or what fossils it may have held. One famous example of an unconformity is the Great Unconformity of the Grand Canyon.

It clearly shows the interface between two types of rock: The sandstones lie horizontally, just as they did when they were originally laid down. But, the shales are all deformed and folded up. The tops of their folds are completely gone where the sandstones have replaced them. What can we make of this giant unconformity? Can we establish any relative ages between the rock strata or the cause of their formations? Well, following the Principle of Cross-Cutting Relationships, we can tell that whatever deformed the shales - probably an earthquake - must have occurred before any of the upper sandstones were deposited.

In fact, we can put together a timeline.

The Grand Canyon and Relative Dating

The shales were deposited first, in a horizontal position, and then there was an earthquake that made them all fold up. Then, the tops were eroded off until the rock was basically flat, and then the sandstones were deposited on top of everything else. With only a few geologic principles, we've established the relative dates of all the phenomena we see in the Great Unconformity. Geologists establish the relative ages of rocks mostly through their understanding of stratigraphic succession.

The Principle of Original Horizontality states that all rock layers were originally horizontal. The Law of Superposition states that younger strata lie on top of older strata. The Principle of Cross-Cutting Relationships states that intrusions and faults that cut across rock are necessarily younger than that rock. Inclusions , or foreign bodies, found inside rock are necessarily older than that rock. And, unconformities show a discontinuity in the strata, which can only be understood by following the principles of stratigraphy.

Geologists utilize all of these laws and principles to establish the relative ages of rocks and the relationships between events that occurred throughout geologic time. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study. Did you know… We have over college courses that prepare you to earn credit by exam that is accepted by over 1, colleges and universities.

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Find a degree that fits your goals. What is Relative Dating? Learn how inclusions and unconformities can tell us stories about the geologic past. We'll even visit the Grand Canyon to solve the mystery of the Great Unconformity! Try it risk-free for 30 days.

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Relative dating rules

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Want to watch this again later? Relative Dating with Fossils: Index Fossils as Indicators of Time. Numerical and Relative Geological Dating.

Methods of Geological Dating: Numerical and Relative Dating. What is Relative Age? How to Interpret Events from Natural Phenomena. Conditions of Fossil Preservation: Absolute Time in Geology. Major Eons, Eras, Periods and Epochs. Theories of Geological Evolution: Classification of Metamorphic Rocks: Ocean Drilling as Evidence for Plate Tectonics.

Teacher Resources

Introduction to Physical Geology: Intro to Natural Sciences. Middle School Earth Science: Weather and Climate Science: UExcel Weather and Climate: Guns, Germs, and Steel Study Guide. Holt McDougal Introduction to Geography: April Koch April teaches high school science and holds a master's degree in education. Discover how geologists study the layers in sedimentary rock to establish relative age.

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Now imagine that you come upon a formation like this: Example of a rock layer that is not smooth or parallel What do you think of it? Original Horizontality In order to establish relative dates, geologists must make an initial assumption about the way rock strata are formed.

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