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 originally deposited in horizontal layers. The angled layers in the background must have been shifted from their original horizontal position by a geologic event (like tectonic activity). Option 1 is incorrect as cracking at an angle isn't related to original horizontality. Option 2 is wrong because they aren't deposited at an angle originally. Option 3 is incorrect as they aren't deposited vertically. Option 4 matches the principle: deposited horizontally then shifted by a geologic event.

Answer:

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