Question

the image shows flat sedimentary rock layers in the foreground and angled sedimentary rock layers in the background. according to the principle of original horizontality, what most likely happened to the rock layers in the background? they cracked at an angle. they were deposited at an angle. they were deposited vertically and then shifted by a geologic event. they were deposited horizontally and then shifted by a geologic event.

Explanation:

The principle of original horizontality states that sedimentary rocks are initially deposited horizontally. The angled layers in the background likely resulted from a later geologic event (e.g., tectonic forces) shifting the originally horizontal layers. Options like "cracked at an angle" don't align with the principle (which focuses on deposition), "deposited at an angle" contradicts the principle, and "deposited vertically" is also against the principle. So the correct answer is that they were deposited horizontally and then shifted by a geologic event.

Answer:

They were deposited horizontally and then shifted by a geologic event.