The layers of sedimentary rocks that bury the underlying igneous and/or metamorphic rock are called the ____.

• A. Layer
• B. Cover
• C. Mantle
• D. Crust

Answer: (B)

In geology, the sedimentary rocks that sit atop and bury the underlying igneous or metamorphic rocks are called the sedimentary cover, or simply the cover. This term highlights the relationship where the cover lies on and conceals the basement rocks—the igneous or metamorphic core. The mantle is well below the crust and isn’t the unit described here, and while “layer” is technically accurate, it’s too vague to capture this specific, named relationship. So the rocks above the basement are the cover.