Stratigraphy is the field of science dedicated to studying the layering of rock and sediment, known as strata. This discipline establishes the relative chronological sequence of geological events by analyzing the deposit layers, providing a systematic framework for understanding Earth's history. Key principles include the Principle of Superposition, which states that in undisturbed rock sequences, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top. Furthermore, the method allows for correlation, which is the process of matching strata across different geographic locations based on shared geological characteristics or faunal composition. By analyzing these layers, scientists can deduce past environmental changes, major shifts in climate, and the timing of significant geological processes.