To determine which formation in a hillside is the youngest, you would typically apply the principle of superposition, which states that in undisturbed sedimentary rock layers, older layers are found below younger layers.
Without seeing the actual diagram, I can provide general insights based on common geological knowledge:
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Igneous formations (C) often intrude into other rock layers, which can suggest they are younger than the sedimentary layers they intrude upon but still older than the sedimentary movements that occur after the igneous event.
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Sedimentary formations like limestone (A), shale (B), and sandstone (D) form through processes that typically take longer periods, but the youngest sedimentary rock layer would still typically be on the top.
If the igneous formation is an intrusion, then it would be younger than the sediment layers it cuts through, but if one of the sedimentary formations (like sandstone) is on top of another (like limestone or shale), that one would be considered the youngest.
In general, if you see a sandstone formation on top of any other, it is likely the youngest. Therefore, without the diagram, a common answer might be:
D. sandstone formation
If the sandstone is layered above the other formations, it would be the youngest. However, it is vital to reference the specific diagram to make an accurate judgment.
2 answers