What term describes the sequence in which geological events occur without measuring in specific time units?

The term "relative time" refers to the sequence of geological events in relation to one another, rather than providing a specific age or measurement in time units. This concept is fundamental in geology and paleontology, allowing scientists to understand the order in which events occurred, such as the formation of rocks or the extinction of species, based on their position within geological strata or their relationships to one another.

For instance, if a layer of rock contains fossils that are known to be younger than those in a layer beneath it, scientists infer that the older layer was formed first. This process of determining the sequence of events is crucial for constructing the geological history of an area without relying on numerical dates.

In contrast, "absolute time" refers to the actual age of geological formations or events, typically expressed in years, which is not the focus of this question. "Superposition" is a principle related to relative time, stating that in undisturbed sequences of rock, younger layers are deposited on top of older ones, but it does not encompass the broader concept of the relative timing of all geological events. "Chronology" generally refers to the arrangement of events in time, often measured on a timeline, which also diverges from the idea of simply sequencing events without specific