But what is the evidence that indicates that the fault is the most recent geological event to have occurred in an area?
2007-03-06 10:31:10 · 2 answers · asked by maRijUiCe 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
The principle of cross-cutting relationships is an axiom that forms part of the fundamentals of geology. It basically points out that you can't have a crack in something until after that something exists. You should note that if the fault runs through some rocks, then is covered by a layer or layers of rocks without the fault in them, then you know the rocks on top are younger than the fault due to the principle of superposition.
2007-03-06 10:37:51 · answer #1 · answered by Now and Then Comes a Thought 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Possible evidence would include disturbance of soil features and lack of erosion of the fault scarp. If soil features are not disturbed but the underlying rock is, then soil has had time to either smooth out (by erosion and deposition or by the action of soil organisms), and that soil disturbance is more recent.
2007-03-06 18:42:27 · answer #2 · answered by David A 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋