Stratigraphic succession

The stratigraphic succession is the order in which identifiable strata are layered within within a mass of rock. Strata are identified by geologists by correlating characteristics in one area with another. The order within a stratigraphic succession is taken to indicate the relative age of the strata.

For example, the United States Geological Survey shows a chart of the stratigraphic succession in New Jersey, with the most recent Cape May Formation at the top and the oldest Potomac Formation at the bottom.