Five layers of rock are cut by two faults. Both faults cut through all five layers of rock. Fault A breaks through to the surface, whereas fault B does not. Which of the following statements about faults A and B is most accurate?

A. Faults A and B are about the same age, and both are younger than the five layers of rock.

B. Fault A is younger than fault B, and both are younger than the five layers of rock.

C. Faults A and B are about the same age, and both are older than the five layers of rock.

D. Fault A is younger than fault B, and both are older than the five layers of rock.

Answer: B. Fault A is younger than fault B and both are younger than the five layers of rock.

Explanation: Fault simply means the displacement of a rock mass.

From the principle of cross cutting relationship, which states that a geologic feature which cuts another is the younger of the two features. From this principle, the faults A and B are younger than the five layers of rock.

Also using the principle of superposition, which states that a stratum or strata is younger that the strata upon which it lies and older that strata which lies upon it. Using the superposition principle, Fault A is younger than fault B because fault A lies on fault B.

B. Fault A is younger than fault B, and both are younger than the five layers of rock

Explanation:

Faults that can cross across many layers of the rock are newer rocks And the fact that the fault had to go through those layers means they have been there before, so the fault is younger.