Crossword Genius

First, a citation about layers in rock (14)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stratification

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'layers in rock' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'first a citation about' is the wordplay.
'about' is an anagram indicator.
'first'+'a'+'citation'='firstacitation'
'firstacitation' is an anagram of 'STRATIFICATION'.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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