Relative dating is used to arrange geological events, and the rocks they leave behind, in a sequence. The method of reading the order is called stratigraphy (layers of rock are called strata). Relative dating does not provide actual numerical dates for the rocks.

What six principles are used in relative dating?

Relative Dating. Uniformitarianism. The principle of original horizontality. The principle of lateral continuity. The principle of superposition. The principle of cross-cutting relationships. The principle of inclusions. The principle of baked contacts.

Why do scientists still need to use relative dating?

Relative dating tells scientists if a rock layer is older or younger than another. This would also mean that fossils found in the deepest layer of rocks in an area would represent the oldest forms of life in that particular rock formation.