Final answer:
Rocks are more likely to fold rather than fault under the condition of high temperature and high confining pressure, as these conditions make rocks more ductile and able to bend without breaking. Therefore, the correct answer is (d) high temperature and high confining pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of geological stresses, which of the following combinations should favor folding rather than faulting? The options provided involve various combinations of temperature and confining pressure. To understand which scenario favors folding, we need to understand the conditions under which rocks are more likely to bend (fold) rather than break (fault).
Folding generally occurs under conditions where rocks are subjected to differential stress that compresses them from opposite sides. This stress causes the rocks to fold if they are pliable, which is usually the case under high temperature and high confining pressure. Under high temperature, rocks become more ductile and are able to bend without breaking. Confining pressure adds to this pliability by preventing the formation of fractures. Therefore, the correct answer is (d) high temperature and high confining pressure.
Conversely, low temperatures tend to make rocks more brittle, making them more likely to fault under stress. Low confining pressure does not support the rocks sufficiently to avoid fracturing, and thus also leads to faulting rather than folding.