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Sequence of geological layers from youngest to oldest, illustrating rock strata and cross-cutting features.

Diagram showing rock layers and geological formations with a sequence from youngest to oldest, including labeled strata A, B, C, D, and E, and a person in the corner.

Diagram showing rock layers and geological formations with a sequence from youngest to oldest, including labeled strata A, B, C, D, and E, and a person in the corner.

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Show Answer Key & Explanations Step-by-step solution for: Relative Age of Rock Layers - YouTube

Problem Description:


The task is to determine the sequence of geological layers in the image from youngest to oldest. The image shows a cross-section of rock layers, faults, and other geological features. We need to analyze the relationships between these layers and features to establish their relative ages.

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Step-by-Step Solution:



#### 1. Identify Key Geological Features:
- Layers (A, B, C): These are sedimentary rock layers.
- Faults (D): These are fractures in the rock where movement has occurred.
- Surface (E): This represents the current ground surface.
- Water Table: Shown at the bottom of the image, indicating groundwater levels.

#### 2. Understand the Principles of Relative Dating:
- Superposition: In undisturbed sequences, the oldest layers are at the bottom, and the youngest are at the top.
- Cross-Cutting Relationships: Faults or intrusions that cut through existing layers are younger than the layers they cut.
- Unconformities: Gaps in the rock record where erosion has removed older layers.

#### 3. Analyze the Layers:
- Layer A: This is the topmost layer visible in the image. It is exposed at the surface (E) and is therefore the youngest layer.
- Layer B: This layer underlies Layer A and is continuous across much of the image. Since it is below Layer A, it is older than Layer A.
- Layer C: This layer is found only in the lower part of the image and is beneath Layer B. It is the deepest layer shown and is therefore the oldest.

#### 4. Consider the Faults:
- Fault D: The fault cuts through both Layers A and B, indicating that the faulting occurred after these layers were deposited. Therefore, the fault is younger than Layers A and B but older than the surface (E).

#### 5. Sequence the Features:
- Youngest: Surface (E) — This is the most recent feature as it is the current ground surface.
- Next Youngest: Layer A — This is the topmost sedimentary layer.
- Next Older: Fault D — The fault cuts through Layers A and B, so it must have formed after these layers.
- Next Older: Layer B — This layer is below Layer A and above Layer C.
- Oldest: Layer C — This is the deepest layer shown in the image.

#### 6. Final Sequence (Youngest to Oldest):
- E (Surface)
- A
- D (Fault)
- B
- C

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Final Answer:


$$
\boxed{E, A, D, B, C}
$$

This sequence reflects the principles of superposition and cross-cutting relationships, ensuring that the relative ages of the geological features are correctly ordered.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of relative ages of rocks worksheet.
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