Most of the sand that makes up the sandstone found in New York State was originally deposited in which type of layers?
http://www.sciencebuzz.org/museum/minnesota_geology/layers_of_sandstone
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandstone
I'm not sure these links answer your question specifically. What kind of layers depends on whether they were laid by oceans, rivers, in river deltas, etc. What was New York like in the days when the sandstone layers were deposited? Your text materials undoubtedly address this question, or give information to infer an answer.
You can also "google" for yourself. Type in whatever keywords you want into the search engine you have available to you and see what you can find. If one search doesn't find what you need, try again with a variation or more specific set of keywords.
This NY regents practice exam follows the standard, it is a "figure it out" standard from reading tables and maps.
Here is how you can do that:
https://books.google.com/books?id=p7vJr1irJSMC&pg=PA98&lpg=PA98&dq=Most+New+York+State+sandstone+bedrock+was+formed&source=bl&ots=28Vg2yeWHu&sig=_kDY7Pc7mM2VZMnHAI5HtXKbSsU&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi4q-OlurrRAhVFy1QKHSexCigQ6AEIRTAH#v=onepage&q=Most%20New%20York%20State%20sandstone%20bedrock%20was%20formed&f=false
To determine the type of layers in which sandstones are deposited in New York State, you can apply some basic geological knowledge and reasoning. Here's how you can approach finding the answer:
1. Understand the formation of sandstone: Sandstone is a sedimentary rock consisting mainly of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments. It forms from the accumulation and cementation of sand, which is transported and deposited by various geological processes.
2. Consider the geological history of New York State: New York State has a diverse geological history, including periods of marine, coastal, river, and glacial activity. By considering the most common geological processes in the region, you can narrow down the potential layers where sandstones are likely to be found.
3. Analyze the characteristics of sandstone: Sandstone is typically composed of sand-sized grains of mineral particles. This suggests that the sand was initially deposited in environments with sufficient energy to transport and sort the sand grains, such as rivers, beaches, or deserts.
4. Evaluate the presence of these environments in New York State: New York State has a rich history of rivers, ancient shorelines, and glacial activity. These environments could have deposited sand in the past, making them potential candidates for the layers where sandstone is most likely found.
5. Consider the dominant geological processes: Considering the dominant geological processes in New York State, the layers in which most of the sand that makes up the sandstone is originally deposited are likely river systems and ancient shorelines. Rivers carry sediment, including sand, and deposit it along their banks, creating layers of sand. Similarly, ancient shorelines and coastlines provide suitable environments for sand accumulation.
6. Evaluate external sources or research: To further support your conclusion or gather more specific information, consult scientific literature, geological surveys, or research papers that focus on the geology of New York State. These sources would provide more detailed information on the specific layers in the region where sandstones are found.
Remember, the information mentioned above is a general approach to answering the question. To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date answer, it is always recommended to consult relevant geological sources or seek expert advice.