Chapter 29, Problem 14TE

If a sedimentary rock contains inclusions of metamorphic rock, which rock is older?

To determine

To detertmine: The older rock when a sedimentary rock contains inclusions of metamorphic rock.

Answer to Problem 14TE

The metamorphic rock is the older rock when a sedimentary rock contains inclusions of metamorphic rock.

Explanation of Solution

If a piece of rock is contained in another rock, then the piece of rock is called an inclusion. According to the inclusion principle, the inclusion is always older than the rock piece containing it. It can also be stated that the rock piece carrying the inclusion is younger than the inclusion.

Here, it is said that a sedimentary rock contains inclusions of metamorphic rock. Since the metamorphic rock is the inclusion, using the inclusion principle, it is older than the sedimentary rock containing it.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the metamorphic rock is the older rock when a sedimentary rock contains inclusions of metamorphic rock.