Question

the map shows ancient land and water patterns near the grand canyon.
scientists want to know whether movement of the north american plate could have changed the height or tilt of the land where the colorado river flows and helped form the grand canyon. which claim is supported by this evidence?

1. the north american plate did not move for millions of years, so the land stayed the same height and the river’s ability to cut the canyon did not change.
2. movement of the north american plate at its margin gradually raised or tilted the land over millions of years, making the river steeper in places and helping the river cut deeper into rock.
3. the north american plate moved suddenly within the last 100 years and made the land rise quickly, so the canyon formed very fast.
4. movement of the north american plate made the land drop lower, making the river shallower and slowing down canyon cutting.

Explanation:

To determine the supported claim, we analyze the geological processes. The Grand Canyon's formation involves long - term plate movement. Plate tectonics and erosion over millions of years are key. Option 2 (Movement of the North American Plate at its margin gradually raised or tilted the land over millions of years, making the river steeper in places and helping the river cut deeper into rock) aligns with the idea of gradual plate movement (like uplift shown in the map) over long periods, which is consistent with how the Colorado River would erode to form the canyon. Option 1 says the plate didn't move, which contradicts the map's uplift arrow. Option 3 claims sudden movement in 100 years, but canyon formation takes millions of years. Option 4 says the plate made land drop, but the map shows uplift.

Answer:

1. Movement of the North American Plate at its margin gradually raised or tilted the land over millions of years, making the river steeper in places and helping the river cut deeper into rock