Final answer:
Geologists should analyze a geologic cross-section to study the geologic history of a location, using principles of stratigraphy, seismic surveys, and, for actual ages, radiometric dating techniques. option d is correct
Step-by-step explanation:
To study the geologic history of a location, geologists should analyze a geologic cross-section. This approach allows them to observe and interpret the arrangement of different rock strata, which can provide information about the sequence of geological events.
Stratigraphy is a key technique in this analysis, involving the study of rock layers. By analyzing the deepest layers of rock, geologists can learn about the earliest geological events in the area's history, as per the principle of superposition which states that in an undisturbed sequence of rocks, the oldest rocks are at the bottom. Additionally, the principle of cross-cutting relationships helps determine the relative ages of features such as faults or igneous intrusions.
Seismic surveys can also play a crucial role in studying geologic history. These surveys use sound waves to create images of the subsurface, revealing not only the types of rocks present but also structures such as faults and folds. This information can be supplemented with the study of sediment cores, especially when investigating areas not exposed at the surface.
To decipher more than just relative ages and to understand the actual ages of rock layers, geologists employ radiometric dating techniques. This allows them to place absolute dates on the rocks, providing a more complete understanding of the geologic history of a region. option d is correct