paragraph 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.

Question

paragraph 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.



(from "Geology of Big Bend" by National Park Service)

Question
This sentence is from the passage.



"Big Bend National Park has often been described as a ',begin emphasis,geologist's paradise,end emphasis,,' but it has also been called a ',begin emphasis,geologist's nightmare,end emphasis,.'" (Paragraph 2)



What do the contrasting phrases ,begin emphasis,geologist's paradise,end emphasis, and ,begin emphasis,geologist's nightmare,end emphasis, mean in this passage?

Answer options with 4 options
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.

Answer 1

The contrasting phrases "geologist's paradise" and "geologist's nightmare" in the passage mean:

2. The area reveals past geological events, but they are difficult to explain.

This option accurately captures the duality presented in the passage – while the geological features provide valuable insights into the Earth's history (a "paradise"), the complexity and irregularity of these features pose significant challenges for interpretation (a "nightmare").