ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Topostratigraphy

Topostratigraphy is like a big cake made up of different layers. The cake is the earth and each layer is made up of different materials like rocks and soil. When we cut the cake (the earth) into slices, we can see these layers and how they're arranged one on top of the other.

The layers in the cake are formed over a long time period in history. Each layer is a record of what happened during that time. For example, if the layer contains lots of tiny shells, we know it was once under water because those shells were left there by sea creatures.

Scientists use topostratigraphy to understand the history of the earth. By studying the layers in the cake, they can learn how the earth has changed over time. They can also figure out where important things like oil and gas might be hidden in the layers.

So, topostratigraphy is like looking at a really big cake with different layers that tell us about the earth's history. Scientists study these layers to learn more about the earth and what's underneath it.