A geologist is studying an ancient stack of rock layers. Most of the layers contain fossils of shallow marine creatures (clams, corals,
etc.), suggesting the layers formed in a shallow ocean environment. But at the top of the stack, there is a layer that could only have
been deposited by a river.
What does this change in rock layers tell the geologist about Earth's history in the area where these layers formed? (Assume the
layers have not changed position since they formed.)
A.
The environment changed suddenly from a river system to a shallow ocean setting.
B.
The environment changed suddenly from a shallow ocean setting to a river system,
A mass extinction caused a river system to form where there used to be a shallow ocean setting.
C.
D.
A volcanic eruption must have occurred nearby, which scared the sea creatures away.