from the presence of so many salt and gypsum mines in new york state, what would you infer about NY's environment millions of years ago?
It looks as though New York was covered by a sea millions of years ago.
http://www.galleries.com/minerals/sulfates/gypsum/gypsum.htm
thanks
You're welcome.
To infer about New York State's environment millions of years ago based on the presence of salt and gypsum mines, you can consider the following:
1. Formation of Salt Deposits: Salt deposits are usually formed when ancient seas or lakes have evaporated, leaving behind concentrated minerals including salt. So the presence of salt mines in New York suggests that there were large bodies of water, such as ancient seas or lakes, in the region during that time period.
2. Gypsum Formation: Gypsum, a mineral commonly found in sedimentary rocks, forms through the evaporation of water or precipitation from mineral-rich groundwater. The presence of gypsum mines in New York State indicates the occurrence of processes involving water bodies that allowed for the formation of gypsum-rich sediments.
3. Geological Shifts: Over millions of years, geological shifts and changes in the Earth's crust can play a significant role in the formation and preservation of mineral deposits. The presence of these mines suggests that New York State experienced geological changes, such as uplift or submergence, which contributed to the deposition and preservation of salt and gypsum.
It is important to note that additional geological studies and evidence would be required to provide a more detailed and accurate understanding of New York State's environment millions of years ago.