Geological Survey Data Analysis

Which feature is the youngest?

a) Basalt
b) Sandstone
c) Limestone

Answer:

Basalt

Basalt is the youngest feature in the geological survey data provided. In the data, the basalt layer is sitting above the sandstone layer, and the sandstone layer is sitting above the limestone layer.

Geologists use the principle of superposition to determine the relative ages of rock layers. This principle states that in an undisturbed sequence of rocks, the oldest rocks will be at the bottom and the youngest rocks will be at the top. Therefore, in this case, the basalt layer being on top indicates it is the youngest layer.

Understanding the relative ages of rock layers is crucial in geological surveys as it helps geologists piece together the history of the area and make interpretations about geological processes that have occurred over time.