1) Geologists can interpret past geological events by examining features in rocks and applying principles of uniformitarianism, superposition, inclusions, cross-cutting relationships and lateral continuity.
2) Relative dating techniques allow geologists to determine the sequential order of events and the relative ages of rock layers. Radiometric dating provides absolute ages by measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes.
3) Correlating rock layers across different locations helps construct a geologic timescale based on fossils and major geological events. Radiometric dating has allowed the geologic timescale to be calibrated in absolute ages.