Question

What causes the youngest layers to be on top

Answer 1

The youngest layers of rock are on top due to the principle of superposition, which indicates that they are deposited over older layers. Evaluating the youngest exposed rocks, often plutonic or metamorphic, helps us understand recent geological processes that brought them to the surface.

Step-by-step explanation:

The concept that the youngest layers of rocks are found on top is explained by the principle of superposition. This principle states that in any undisturbed sequence of rocks deposited in layers, the youngest layer is on top because layers are deposited over time. So, when we evaluate rock provinces, we consider the youngest exposed strata, usually plutonic or metamorphic rocks, as these indicate more recent geological processes.

To expose these deep rocks, forces such as erosion, tectonic uplift, and other geological activities must bring them to the surface. Thus, these youngest rocks can reveal important information about recent geological history and the processes that have shaped our planet's crust.

Answer 2

When the sediment move and they are being settled somewhere, it means they are being deposited.

After a long period of time, there is a formation of layers of sediments on the top of each other. The weight of the top layer of sediment presses the lower layer and settle down it to the bottom layer, which results in the formation of sedimentary rock.

The oldest layer is on the bottom of the layer and the youngest one would be on the top layer because sediments include living organism, which often contains a fossil fuel.