Question

Question

Use the drawing to answer the question.

A diagram shows a cutaway view of layers of rock. The top horizontal layer is labeled A. Under that layer is another horizontal layer labeled B. Layer D is under layer B and is tilted. Under that layer is layer E, which is also tilted. Under that layer is layer F, which is tilted. Under that layer is layer G, also tilted. Layer J appears under layer G. Layer I cuts horizontally through layers B, D, E, F, G, and J. A line labeled H cuts diagonally through layers A, B, E, F, and G.

(1 point)
A geologist examining a road cut at this location would recognize that Layer I is
than Fault H. This conclusion is made through the principle of
.
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Answer 1

A geologist examining a road cut at this location would recognize that Layer I is younger than Fault H. This conclusion is made through the principle of cross-cutting relationships.

The principle of cross-cutting relationships states that if a geological feature (such as a fault or an intrusion) cuts through another feature, the feature being cut is older than the feature that is doing the cutting. In this case, since Layer I cuts through Fault H, it suggests that Layer I must have formed after Fault H.