Stratigraphic relationships are the relationships created between contexts in time, representing the chronological order in which they were created. One example would be a ditch and the back-fill of said ditch.
How does stratigraphic dating work?
At an archaeological site, strata exposed during excavation can be used to relatively date sequences of events. At the heart of this dating technique is the simple principle of superposition: Upper strata were formed or deposited later than lower strata.
What are some examples of stratigraphy?
StratigraphyThe Permian through Jurassic strata of the Colorado Plateau area of southeastern Utah demonstrate the principles of stratigraphy.Engraving from William Smiths monograph on identifying strata based on fossils.Strata in Cafayate (Argentina)Chalk layers in Cyprus, showing sedimentary layering.More items
What does stratigraphy mean in Archaeology?
Stratigraphy is the study of layered materials (strata) that were deposited over time. By digging from the top downward, the archaeologist can trace the buildings and objects on a site back through time using techniques of typology (i.e., the study of how types change in time).
What is the law of stratigraphy?
Law of superposition, a major principle of stratigraphy stating that within a sequence of layers of sedimentary rock, the oldest layer is at the base and that the layers are progressively younger with ascending order in the sequence. It is one of the great general principles of geology.
An unconformity is created when these depositional environments change to a regime of no-net accumulation so that the deposition of sediments, which records time, ceases. In some cases, sediment accumulation simply stops, and more often erosion begins stripping rock layers away.
What were tongue stones?
When fossilised shark teeth were first discovered embedded in rocks their origin was a mystery. As a result, the triangular objects came to be called glossopetrae, or tongue stones. Tongue stones were widely believed to have medicinal properties, and were highly valued objects.