Question

step 12 in figure above is the ____________. fault fold brown layer nonconformity angular unconformity red layer pink layer disconformity

Explanation:

A nonconformity is a type of unconformity where sedimentary rocks lie on top of igneous or metamorphic rocks. In the given geological cross - section, Step 12 shows sedimentary layers (above) lying on top of igneous/metamorphic rocks (below), which is the characteristic of a nonconformity.

• A fault is a fracture in the Earth's crust where there has been displacement. The red layer in the diagram is a fault, not Step 12.
• A fold is a bend in rock layers. There is no indication of bending in Step 12.
• An angular unconformity is where younger sedimentary layers lie on top of older, tilted sedimentary layers.
• A disconformity is a gap in the geological record within sedimentary layers (parallel layers with a time gap).

Answer:

Nonconformity