Chapter 8: Problem 1

A granitic rock contains inclusions (xenoliths) of basalt. What can you say about the relative ages of the granite and the basalt?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Based on the principle of inclusions, the basalt rock (xenoliths) is older than the granitic rock that contains the inclusions. The relative ages of the granite and the basalt would then be: the basalt is older, and the granite is younger.

Step by step solution

Understand the principle of inclusion

In geology, the principle of inclusion states that any rock (formation or unit) that contains an inclusion (foreign body) must be younger than the rock from which the inclusion was derived. This is because in order for the inclusion to be present in the granite, the basalt had to exist first for the granite to form around it.

Apply the principle of inclusion to given exercise

We are given that a granitic rock contains inclusions (xenoliths) of basalt. Based on the principle of inclusions, the basalt rock must be older than the granitic rock. This is because the basalt already existed when the granitic rock formed around and incorporated the basalt as inclusions.

State the conclusion

Using the principle of inclusions, we can conclude that the basalt rock (xenoliths) is older than the granitic rock that contains the inclusions. The relative ages of the granite and the basalt would then be: the basalt is older, and the granite is younger.

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A granitic rock contains inclusions (xenoliths) of basalt. What can you say about the relative ages of the granite and the basalt?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand the principle of inclusion

Apply the principle of inclusion to given exercise

State the conclusion

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