Use the drawing below to answer the question.

Question

(2 points)
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
.

Answer 1

To answer the question:

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

In geology, the principle of cross-cutting relationships states that a geological feature (like a fault) that cuts through another feature (like a sedimentary layer) is younger than the feature it cuts. Hence, if Fault H cuts through Layer I, Layer I must be older than Fault H.