Final answer:
Layer 4 occurred after layers A, B, C, intrusion D, and fault E. The principle of cross-cutting relationships teaches that a fault or intrusion is younger than the rocks it cuts through.
Step-by-step explanation:
The full sequence of events in the given diagram from oldest to youngest is:
- Layer C formed;
- Layer B formed;
- Layer A formed;
- After layers A-B-C were present, intrusion D cut across all three;
- Fault E formed, shifting rocks A through C and intrusion D;
- Weathering and erosion created a layer of soil on top of layer A.
Layer 4 in the diagram occurred after layers A, B, C, intrusion D, and fault E were already present. This can be determined by observing that layer 4 is located above all the other layers and intrusions, indicating that it is the youngest layer.
The principle of cross-cutting relationships teaches that a fault or intrusion is younger than the rocks it cuts through. In the given diagram, the fault (E) cuts through all three sedimentary rock layers (A, B, and C) and the intrusion (D), so the fault must be the youngest feature. This principle is used to determine the relative ages of different geological events and formations.