Which conclusion can be made?
The fault is older than the layers of rock based on the law of inclusion.
The fault is younger than the layers of rock based on the law of crosscutting.
The fault is older than the layers of rock based on the law of crosscutting.
The fault is younger than the layers of rock based on the law of inclusion.
The fault is younger than the layers of rock based on the law of crosscutting.
Based on the information provided, the fault is younger than the layers of rock based on the law of crosscutting.
To determine the conclusion, we need to understand the principles mentioned - the law of inclusion and the law of crosscutting:
1. The law of inclusion states that in a sequence of rocks, a rock unit must be younger than any other rock fragment contained within it. In other words, if one rock is found within another, the rock containing the fragment must be younger.
2. The law of crosscutting relationships states that a rock unit or feature must be younger than any rock unit or feature it crosscuts. If a fault cuts across or displaces layers of rock, the fault is younger than the rocks it cuts through.
Now, let's analyze the given statements:
- "The fault is older than the layers of rock based on the law of inclusion": This statement contradicts the law of inclusion because if the fault is older, it would not be found within the layers of rock.
- "The fault is younger than the layers of rock based on the law of crosscutting": This statement aligns with the law of crosscutting because if the fault is cutting across the layers of rock, it must be younger than those layers.
Therefore, the correct conclusion is: "The fault is younger than the layers of rock based on the law of crosscutting."