Question

The diagram shows cross-cutting relationships among rocks.

3 dimensional representation of cross-cutting relationships. Left side, labeled B, C, E, and F. Right side labeled A and D. A: fault line that goes through wavy layers of rock, starting at B, and ending at the bottom of C. B: bottom layer surrounded by wavy layers of rock and ending at C. C: horizontal layer below E. D: rock layer extends from bottom of B to top of E, crossing through wavy rock layer. E: Earth apostrophe s crust. F: fault line that goes through all layers.

Which statement accurately describes the geologic features?

D occurred after B.
D occurred before A.
A formed after the horizontal layer above was deposited.
F formed before the horizontal layer above was deposited.

Answer 1

To analyze the statements in the context of cross-cutting relationships in geology, we can apply the principle that the features that cut through other rocks or layers are generally younger than the layers they cut through.

Here’s a breakdown of the statements:

1. **D occurred after B.**
- If D cuts through B, then D is younger than B. This statement could be accurate.

2. **D occurred before A.**
- If D is cut by A, then A is younger than D. This statement would be inaccurate if D is indeed younger than A.

3. **A formed after the horizontal layer above was deposited.**
- If A is a fault line that intersects or cuts through the layers, it must have formed after those layers were deposited. This statement is likely accurate.

4. **F formed before the horizontal layer above was deposited.**
- If F is a fault cutting through all layers, it must have occurred before the horizontal layer was deposited above it. This statement is likely accurate as well.

Considering the principles of cross-cutting relationships, the correct assessments seem to indicate that the statements about D occurring after B and A forming after the horizontal layer above are likely true, while D occurring before A is likely false, and F forming before the horizontal layer above being true.

Therefore, without specific details regarding which features are cutting into which, the statement that best describes the relationships could be **"A formed after the horizontal layer above was deposited."**

Please verify the positions indicated in the diagram of the features to ensure proper accuracy in choosing the best statement.