Cornelius sees a landform with almost vertical layers of sedimentary rocks. Which of the following statements is most likely true?

Question

The rocks have been undisturbed for thousands of years.
Water and wind deposited the rocks in vertical layers.
A geologic event shifted the rocks.
The rock is not really sedimentary.

Answer 1

The most likely true statement is: A geologic event shifted the rocks.

This is because almost vertical layers of sedimentary rocks typically indicate that the layers have undergone some form of tectonic activity, such as uplift or folding, which altered their original horizontal deposition. Sedimentary layers are usually formed horizontally; thus, if they are seen in a vertical position, it suggests they have been disturbed by geological processes.