Cross Cutting Relationships Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Cross Cutting Relationships?

Cross-cutting relationships are relationships between objects, rocks, or geologic features that cut across other rocks, structures, or strata. Such cross-cutting relationships occur when forces such as erosion and tectonic activity disrupt the original order of geological features. Cross-cutting relationships are important clues in determining the sequence of geological events in an area. Cross-cutting relationships can be seen in a variety of ways and can help geologists understand the history of an area. For example, if a fault cuts through layers of sedimentary strata that have already been laid down at some point in time, it is clear that this fault must have occurred after the sediments were deposited. In addition, if an igneous intrusion cuts through sedimentary or metamorphic rocks it means that the intrusion must have occurred after those rock types had formed. Cross-cutting relationships also provide evidence for events like earthquakes, landslides and volcanic eruptions which may all have occurred at different times but left their mark on the local geology. In addition to providing clues about past events and sequences of events, cross-cutting relationships can also tell us about present conditions at a particular site. For example when two faults intersect each other this indicates active tectonic processes which can help inform hazard management plans for nearby communities to ensure safety from potential tremors and landslides which may occur due to seismic activity in the area. Overall cross cutting relationships are a vital tool used by geologists to gain insight into both past geological events as well as present conditions at particular sites thus making them invaluable when it comes to understanding how our planet has evolved over time and how we should act now with regards to hazards posed by geological activities such as earthquakes or volcanoes.