When studying a geologic map, a geology student notices that the rock layers make a "U-shaped" pattern, a band of old rocks are found near the axial plane, and the rocks become progressively younger tracing the layers from the plane outward. The geology student concludes he is looking at a:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The "U-shaped" pattern and the band of old rocks near the axial plane both indicate an anticlinal fold, while the progressively younger layers tracing outwards indicate that the fold is plunging. Therefore, the best choice is a plunging anticline.

When Studying a Geologic Map, a Geology Student Notices That