What does a geologic cross section depict?

A geologic cross section is fundamentally a diagram that provides a vertical slice through the Earth's crust, illustrating the arrangement and distribution of various geologic features beneath the surface. This visual representation can include layers of rock, fault lines, and other subsurface structures, helping geologists and students understand the three-dimensional arrangement of geological formations without needing to dig into the Earth directly.

By depicting the subsurface features, a geologic cross section allows for analysis of the geological history of an area, the types of rock present, and the relationships between different strata. This understanding is essential for various applications, including resource exploration, environmental studies, and land-use planning. Therefore, the focus on underground features clearly distinguishes it as the most accurate representation among the choices provided, aligning with the fundamental purpose of geologic cross sections in the field of geoscience.