Why do scientists think the Grand Canyon was once covered by an ocean?(1 point)
Responses
The sedimentary rock type forming layers of the canyon formed under the sea.
The sedimentary rock type forming layers of the canyon formed under the sea.
Only an ocean would have the strength to erode the rock forming the Grand Canyon.
Only an ocean would have the strength to erode the rock forming the Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon is located along coastlines that likely flooded.
The Grand Canyon is located along coastlines that likely flooded.
Seawater has been found seeping up through the canyon floor.
The sedimentary rock type forming layers of the canyon formed under the sea.
Scientists think the Grand Canyon was once covered by an ocean because the sedimentary rock type forming layers of the canyon formed under the sea. Additionally, only an ocean would have the strength to erode the rock forming the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is also located along coastlines that likely flooded, further supporting the idea of it being covered by an ocean. Furthermore, seawater has been found seeping up through the canyon floor, providing evidence of its past connection to an ocean.
The correct answer is "The sedimentary rock type forming layers of the canyon formed under the sea."
Scientists believe that the Grand Canyon was once covered by an ocean because the rocks that make up the canyon are sedimentary rocks. Sedimentary rocks are formed when layers of sediment, such as sand and mud, are deposited and gradually compacted over time. In the case of the Grand Canyon, the layers of sedimentary rock were formed under the sea.
By studying the composition and characteristics of the sedimentary rock layers, scientists can determine their origin. For example, certain fossils or marine organisms found in these rocks indicate that they were formed in a marine environment. Additionally, the presence of marine deposits, such as limestone or siltstone, further supports the hypothesis that the area was once covered by an ocean.
Furthermore, the age of the rocks in the Grand Canyon can be determined through various dating methods, such as radiometric dating. These methods allow scientists to estimate the time when the rocks were formed, which often aligns with a time when the area was underwater.
It is important to note that the Grand Canyon's formation involved more than just the presence of an ocean. The canyon was carved out over millions of years by erosion, primarily by the Colorado River and its tributaries. While an ocean would have contributed to the formation of the sedimentary rocks, it was the river's erosion power that created the iconic landscape we see today.
In conclusion, scientists believe that the Grand Canyon was once covered by an ocean based on the evidence provided by the sedimentary rock layers and their characteristics.