Which of the following methods is a form of relative dating?

The Law of Superposition is a foundational principle in geology and archaeology used in relative dating. This method states that in any undisturbed sequence of rocks or sediment, the oldest layers will be at the bottom, and the younger layers will be on top. By analyzing the order of these layers, researchers can determine the relative ages of the sediments or the fossils contained within them without needing to know their specific ages.

Relative dating methods, such as the Law of Superposition, do not provide exact dates but rather help establish the sequence of events or the relative ages of formations. This contrasts with absolute dating methods, such as radiocarbon dating, which provide a specific age estimate for material based on radioactive decay. Dendrochronology, while also a dating method, focuses specifically on tree ring patterns to establish timelines and is considered an absolute dating technique. Stratigraphic correlation involves matching layers of rock from different locations based on their characteristics, but it aligns more with data comparison rather than the establishment of age chronology on its own. Thus, the Law of Superposition is a clear example of a relative dating method, establishing the framework for understanding the chronological sequence of geological and archaeological formations.