Tilted layers of sandstone found in the rocky mountains indicate that:

1 sandstone was depostited at the tops of the mountains.

2 the oceans were once higher than they are now.

3 sandstone layers were formed and then displaced.

4 the ocean rose, deposited sandstone, and receded

The correct answer is 3: sandstone layers were formed and then displaced.

Tilted layers of sandstone in the Rocky Mountains indicate that there have been geological forces at work that have caused the originally horizontal sandstone layers to become tilted or inclined. This suggests that after the sandstone layers were initially formed, some tectonic activity, such as folding, faulting, or uplift, occurred, causing the layers to be displaced and tilted.

To arrive at this answer, we can use our understanding of basic geology and the formation of sedimentary rocks like sandstone. Here's a breakdown of the process:

1. The formation of sandstone: Sandstone is a sedimentary rock that forms when grains of sand are compacted and cemented together over time. This commonly occurs in environments like beaches, riverbeds, or deserts, where there is an abundant supply of loose sand.

2. Deposition and layering: As sand is transported by wind or water, it eventually settles and forms sediment layers. Over time, subsequent layers of sand accumulate on top of each other, creating distinct layers within the sandstone.

3. Tectonic activity and displacement: In mountainous regions like the Rocky Mountains, various tectonic processes can occur. These processes include folding (when Earth's crust bends or buckles), faulting (when rocks break and slide along fractures), or uplift (when the crust is raised). These forces can cause the originally horizontal sedimentary layers, including sandstone, to become tilted or inclined.

So, the tilted layers of sandstone found in the Rocky Mountains indicate that the sandstone layers were formed originally and then displaced due to tectonic activity. This answer aligns with our understanding of geological processes and the formation of sedimentary rocks.