Chapter 11: Principle of Superposition, Principle of Original Horizontality, Principle of Lateral Continuity, Principle of Cross-Cutting Relationships, Principle of Inclusions

Principle of Lateral Continuity

refers to the fact that sedimentary beds originate as continuous layers that extend in all directions until they eventually grade into a different type of sediment or until they thin out at the edge of the basin of deposition.

principle of cross-cutting relationships

states that geologic features that cut across rocks must have formed after the rocks they cut through.

Principle of Original Horizontality

states that layers of sediment are generally deposited in a horizontal position.

Principle of Inclusions

The rock mass adjacent to the one containing the inclusions must have been there first in order to provide the rock fragments. Therefore, the rock mass that contains inclusions is the younger of the two.

Principle of Superposition

This principle simply states that in an undeformed sequence of sedimentary rocks, each bed is older than the one above and younger than the one below.