The picture shows a conglomerate rock formed of cemented rock fragments according to the law of inclusion which is younger the rock fragments or the cemented rock around the fragments? Why? (2 points)
According to the law of inclusion, the rock fragments are older than the cemented rock around them. This is because the law states that the rock fragments must be older than the rock that encloses them. In the case of conglomerate rock, the rock fragments are the clasts that have been eroded from pre-existing rocks and deposited in a different location. Over time, the sediment around the fragments becomes compacted and cemented together to form the conglomerate rock. Therefore, since the rock fragments were existing before the conglomerate rock was formed, they are older.
To determine whether the rock fragments or the cemented rock around them are younger, we can apply the principle of inclusion, also known as the law of inclusion, which states that in a sequence of rock layers, fragments within a rock layer are older than the rock layer itself.
In this case, we have a conglomerate rock formed of cemented rock fragments. The cemented rock fragments are the inclusion, whereas the cemented rock around the fragments is the matrix that holds the fragments together.
Based on the principle of inclusion, the rock fragments are older than the cemented rock around them. This is because the fragments must have existed before the cemented rock formed, as they were incorporated into the matrix during the lithification process. The cemented rock around the fragments represents the later stage of the rock's formation, occurring after the fragments were already in existence.
Therefore, in the given picture, the rock fragments within the conglomerate are older than the cemented rock around them.
According to the law of inclusions, the rock fragments enclosed within a conglomerate rock are older than the cemented rock around them. Here's why:
1. Inclusions: Inclusions are rock fragments that get incorporated into a larger body of rock during the formation process. These fragments can be from pre-existing rocks or minerals.
2. Cementation: In the case of a conglomerate rock, the rock fragments are held together by a cementing material, such as clay, silica, or calcite. This cementation occurs after the rock fragments have been deposited.
3. Sequence of events: The sequence of events in the formation of a conglomerate rock is important to determine relative ages. The rock fragments must have existed before the cementation took place.
4. Older fragments, younger cement: As the rock fragments are already present and formed before the cementation occurs, it means that the fragments are older. The cementing material is younger as it is responsible for holding the fragments together.
Therefore, in a conglomerate rock, the cemented rock around the fragments is younger, while the rock fragments themselves are older according to the law of inclusion.