An archaeologist dates 3 layers of sediment, with the middle layer being twice as old as the top layer and the bottom layer being 1,800 years older than the middle. If the top layer is 400 years old, what is the average age of the three layers?

Wed, 06 May 2026 08:58:49 +0000

**Why Sediment Layers Tell Time: A Hidden Calculation Now Part of U.S. Archaeological Conversation** In an era defined by rapid data shifts and a deepening public interest in science, a seemingly simple mathematical puzzle is quietly gaining attention—especially among researchers, educators, and curious learners in the U.S. The question: *An archaeologist dates three sediment layers, with the middle one twice as old as the top and the bottom layer 1,800 years older than the middle. If the top layer is 400 years old, what is the average age of these layers?* It bridges geology, archaeology, and analog dating techniques, sparking engagement not just as a brain teaser, but as a gateway into understanding how we uncover history beneath our feet. With growing interest in climate timelines, cultural preservation, and the science behind dating methods, this type of inquiry reflects a broader curiosity about time, change, and how we trace human and environmental history. Far from niche, such questions highlight how everyday people engage with scientific reasoning—whether through academic study, public history programs, or casual online exploration. **Why This Sediment Puzzle Is Resonating Across the U.S.**