Final Answer:
The fault is younger than the bedrock it cuts through.
Step-by-step explanation:
In geology, the principle of cross-cutting relationships states that if a fault cuts through bedrock, the fault is younger than the bedrock it cuts through. This principle is based on the law of superposition, which states that in any sequence of undisturbed strata, the youngest layer is at the top and the oldest is at the bottom. Therefore, when a fault cuts through existing bedrock layers, it is evident that the fault must have occurred after the formation of the bedrock. This relationship helps geologists determine the relative ages of geological features and events.
For example, if we have a sequence of sedimentary rock layers that are undisturbed, with the oldest at the bottom and the youngest at the top, and a fault cuts across these layers, it is clear that the fault must be younger than the layers it disrupts. This understanding is crucial in determining the geological history of an area and interpreting past tectonic events.
Overall, by applying the principle of cross-cutting relationships and understanding the law of superposition, geologists can confidently assert that when a fault cuts through bedrock, the fault is younger than the bedrock it intersects.