Geological layers: Superposition, tilted beds and strike and dip

Henry Hoult and Kate Pedley
University of Canterbury, School of Earth and Environment

Initial Publication Date: July 8, 2026
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Summary

This workflow uses Visible Geology to show how the law of superposition can be applied to identify the youngest and oldest rocks in a layered sequence, identify the strike and dip of a tilted planar surface, and represent the strike and dip of a geological layer on a map using symbols.

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Learning Goals

Learning objectives:

  1. Apply the law of superposition to identify the youngest and oldest rocks in a layered sequence
  2. Identify the strike and dip of a tilted planar surface
  3. Represent the strike and dip of a geological layer on a map using symbols

Key Visible Geology skills are:

  1. Add new geological layers to a block model,
  2. Apply a tilt angle to layers,
  3. Add decals to represent the strike and dip.

Context for Use

This ~1 hour workflow is a standalone tool for students to either work through as part of a guided lab exercise that builds on lecture material, or as an independent exercise to consolidate learning. It builds concepts from the ground up so it is appropriate for high school to junior college level students.

Description and Teaching Materials

Visible Geology needs to be available for each student, along with the attached worksheet .pdf. Students work through the worksheet, following instructions and exploring the model as it is developed. Key learnings are highlighted in the worksheet at every step. Questions towards the end of the worksheet interrogate students understanding, before an exercise getting them to apply their new knowledge finishes the worksheet.
Workflow handout for Dipping Layers (Acrobat (PDF) 28MB Jul8 26)



Teaching Notes and Tips

To save and share their work in Visible Geology, students are encouraged to log in with their Google Account.

Assessment

If students are able to answer the questions and complete the final exercise adequately, then they have met the learning objectives of this workflow.

References and Resources

For tips, tricks and how-to videos for using Visible Geology, check out the Visible Geology Help & Resources.