Question
from Geology of Big Bend
1 The chaotic appearance of this jumbled landscape presented substantial challenges to the first geologists who attempted to map the very complex geologic history of this area. It should be of little surprise to anyone that initial hypotheses explaining geological events here have been subjected to challenge and revision as the area has undergone continuous study. The geological history of Big Bend will continue to evolve as we make new discoveries and are able to more accurately piece together this magnificent story.
2 Big Bend National Park has often been described as a "geologist's paradise," but it has also been called a "geologist's nightmare."... Rock strata [are] exposed at odd angles, standing vertical, or turned completely upside down. Rocks often appear to be completely displaced and do not "fit" within the areas in which they are found. Clearly there have been many geologic processes and forces at work over a vast expanse of time. This makes the interpretation of Big Bend's geologic history very difficult.
This sentence is from the passage.
"Big Bend National Park has often been described as a 'geologist's paradise,' but it has also been called a 'geologist's nightmare."" (Paragraph 2)
What do the contrasting phrases geologist's paradise and geologist's nightmare mean in this passage?
1. The area includes new rock formations, but they are difficult to access.
2. The area reveals past geological events, but they are difficult to explain.
3. The area is changing, making rock formations difficult to date accurately.
4. The area has irregular topography, making exploration slow and difficult.
1 The chaotic appearance of this jumbled landscape presented substantial challenges to the first geologists who attempted to map the very complex geologic history of this area. It should be of little surprise to anyone that initial hypotheses explaining geological events here have been subjected to challenge and revision as the area has undergone continuous study. The geological history of Big Bend will continue to evolve as we make new discoveries and are able to more accurately piece together this magnificent story.
2 Big Bend National Park has often been described as a "geologist's paradise," but it has also been called a "geologist's nightmare."... Rock strata [are] exposed at odd angles, standing vertical, or turned completely upside down. Rocks often appear to be completely displaced and do not "fit" within the areas in which they are found. Clearly there have been many geologic processes and forces at work over a vast expanse of time. This makes the interpretation of Big Bend's geologic history very difficult.
This sentence is from the passage.
"Big Bend National Park has often been described as a 'geologist's paradise,' but it has also been called a 'geologist's nightmare."" (Paragraph 2)
What do the contrasting phrases geologist's paradise and geologist's nightmare mean in this passage?
1. The area includes new rock formations, but they are difficult to access.
2. The area reveals past geological events, but they are difficult to explain.
3. The area is changing, making rock formations difficult to date accurately.
4. The area has irregular topography, making exploration slow and difficult.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
In the passage, the contrasting phrases "geologist's paradise" and "geologist's nightmare" refer to the complexity and challenges associated with studying the geological features of Big Bend National Park. Specifically, these phrases highlight that while the area is rich in geological history and provides opportunities for discovery (paradise), it simultaneously presents significant difficulties in interpretation and understanding due to its chaotic and complex geological formations (nightmare).
Therefore, the best interpretation of the contrasting phrases in this context is:
2. The area reveals past geological events, but they are difficult to explain.
Therefore, the best interpretation of the contrasting phrases in this context is:
2. The area reveals past geological events, but they are difficult to explain.