Gaps in the geologic record occur when particular features interfere with the normal processes of rock formation. These features can be either extrusive or intrusive, and they can involve faults, intrusions, and erosion. Understanding what these features are and how they cause gaps in the geologic record is essential for geologists to interpret the Earth’s history.
Extrusion Fault
An extrusion fault is a fault that occurs when molten material is forced upward through the Earth’s crust. This molten material is usually magma or lava, and it is forced up through the Earth’s crust due to pressure from below. As the molten material rises, it pushes against the existing crust, creating a fault line. This fault line can cause a gap in the geologic record because the molten material disrupts the normal processes of rock formation.
Intrusion
An intrusion is an intrusion of magma or molten material into pre-existing rock. Intrusions occur when magma rises up from the Earth’s mantle and pushes into existing rock. This process can cause a gap in the geologic record because the molten material disrupts the normal processes of rock formation.
Erosion
Erosion is the process by which rocks and other materials are worn away by natural forces such as wind, water, and ice. Erosion can cause a gap in the geologic record because it can remove existing rocks and sediment, leaving a gap in the record.
Gaps in the geologic record can be caused by a variety of features, including extrusion faults, intrusions, and erosion. Understanding how these features cause gaps in the geologic record is essential for geologists to accurately interpret the Earth’s history.
