Geology of Big Bend,end bold,
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.
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.
"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.
2. The area reveals past geological events, but they are difficult to explain.
The correct answer is option 2. The contrasting phrases "geologist's paradise" and "geologist's nightmare" in this passage refer to the fact that Big Bend National Park presents a complex and challenging geological landscape. It contains rock formations that are exposed at odd angles, standing vertical, or turned completely upside down. Additionally, rocks often appear to be completely displaced and do not fit within their surrounding areas. These characteristics make it difficult for geologists to interpret the geologic history of the area accurately.
Based on the information provided in the passage, the contrasting phrases "geologist's paradise" and "geologist's nightmare" refer to the challenging nature of studying and understanding the geology of Big Bend National Park.
Option 2, "The area reveals past geological events, but they are difficult to explain," best captures the meaning of the contrasting phrases. The passage describes the chaotic landscape and the challenges faced by geologists in mapping the complex geologic history of the area. The rock strata are exposed at odd angles, standing vertical, or turned upside down, making it difficult to interpret the geologic history. This suggests that while the area provides valuable information about past geological events, understanding and explaining these events is a challenging task.