A geologist observes that fragments of a granite are incorporated into the sandstone that sits on top of the granite and concludes that the granite is older than the sandstone. Which principle is described here?

A. the principle of cross-cutting

B. the principle of lateral continuity

C. the principle of superposition

D. the principle of orginal horizontality

Answer: The correct answer is option C, the principle of superposition.

Explanation:

In geology, the principle of superposition states that in a series of stratified sedimentary rocks, the one that sits at the bottom (the lowest stratum) is the oldest.

According to the details given above, the geologist observed that sandstone sits on top of the granite (the granite sits at the bottom), he concluded that granite is older than the sandstones. This principle clearly demonstrates the theory of superposition.

Superposition simply means putting something on top of another (for example, placing an object on top of another object).

Therefore, the above principle describes the theory of superposition.