What is the main reason why the age of oldest rocks can vary from one part of a continent to another?
A) older rocks are commonly remelted over huge regions
B) older rocks have been uplifted and eroded away
C) large parts of the continent are subducted deep within the mantle
D) parts of the continent have been added by the accretion of tectonic terranes

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The main reason for the variation in the age of the oldest rocks from one part of a continent to another is due to the accretion of tectonic terranes. This process involves pieces of the Earth's crust (terrains) being added to a continent at convergent plate boundaries, leading to a mosaic of rocks of different ages across the continent.

What Is the Main Reason Why the Age of Oldest