Concerning the relative ages of the granite and sandstone,the ____________.
A) granite must be older, according to the principle of superposition
B) sandstone must be older, according to the principle of superposition
C) granite must be older, according to the principle of components
D) Their relative ages cannot be determined from the information given.

Question

Concerning the relative ages of the granite and sandstone,the ____________. 
A) granite must be older, according to the principle of superposition 
B) sandstone must be older, according to the principle of superposition 
C) granite must be older, according to the principle of components 
D) Their relative ages cannot be determined from the information given.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The relative ages of the granite and sandstone cannot be determined from the information given. The principle of superposition only states that in a sequence of sedimentary rock layers, the oldest layer is at the bottom and the youngest layer is at the top. However, the granite may have intruded into or been uplifted with the sandstone, making it younger, or the sandstone may have eroded away and the granite may have been exposed and weathered, making it older. Without further information or evidence, it is impossible to determine their relative ages. The principle of components is not relevant to this question.

Concerning the Relative Ages of the Granite and Sandstone,the ____________