Five layers of rock are cut by two faults. Both faults cut through all five layers of rock. Fault A breaks through to the surface, whereas fault B does not. Which of the following statements about faults A and B is most accurate?
A. Faults A and B are about the same age, and both are younger than the five layers of rock.
B. Fault A is younger than fault B, and both are younger than the five layers of rock.
C. Faults A and B are about the same age, and both are older than the five layers of rock.
D. Fault A is younger than fault B, and both are older than the five layers of rock.

B. Fault A is younger than fault B and both are younger than the five layers of rock.

Explanation: Fault simply means the displacement of a rock mass.

From the principle of cross cutting relationship, which states that a geologic feature which cuts another is the younger of the two features. From this principle, the faults A and B are younger than the five layers of rock.

Also using the principle of superposition, which states that a stratum or strata is younger that the strata upon which it lies and older that strata which lies upon it. Using the superposition principle, Fault A is younger than fault B because fault A lies on fault B.