Question

the image shows cross - cutting relationships. b, w, e, and k represent rock layers, and q represents a fault. which statement describes the geologic features? layer k is the oldest. layer w is the youngest. fault q occurred before layer k was deposited. layers b, w, and e were deposited after fault q occurred.

Explanation:

According to the principle of cross - cutting relationships, a fault (or other geological feature like an intrusion) that cuts through a rock layer is younger than the rock layer it cuts. In this case, fault Q does not cut through layer K. So, fault Q must have occurred before layer K was deposited.

• Layer B is the oldest as it is at the bottom (principle of superposition).
• Layer K is the youngest as it is at the top (principle of superposition), so "Layer W is the youngest" is wrong.
• Layers B and W are cut by fault Q, so they were deposited before fault Q, making "Layers B, W, and E were deposited after fault Q occurred" wrong.

Answer:

Fault Q occurred before layer K was deposited.