If an artifact is found between two layers of strata, it can be assumed that the artifact is older than the layer above it and younger than the layer below it. This allows archaeologists to determine ages for the layers above and below the artifacts, and not necessarily for just the artifact itself.

How can stratification help date artifacts?

Each layer provides a unique snapshot of a past culture, the environment in which it existed, and its relative period in time. Stratigraphic dating does not require the existence of artifacts, but their presence may facilitate dating the site in absolute time.

What are ways to date artifacts?

Very few artifacts recovered from an archeological site can be absolutely dated. Archeologists use several methods to establish absolute chronology including radiocarbon dating, obsidian hydration, thermoluminescence, dendrochronology, historical records, mean ceramic dating, and pipe stem dating.

What is difference between stratigraphy and stratification?

As nouns the difference between stratification and stratigraphy. is that stratification is the process leading to the formation or deposition of layers, especially of sedimentary rocks while stratigraphy is (geology) the study of rock layers and the layering process (stratification).

What is an example of stratigraphy?

Stratigraphic studies deal primarily with sedimentary rocks but may also encompass layered igneous rocks (e.g., those resulting from successive lava flows) or metamorphic rocks formed either from such extrusive igneous material or from sedimentary rocks.