ASBOG Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

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What does the principle of original horizontality explain?

The layers of sediment are always horizontal

All sedimentary layers are vertical

Layers of sediment are deposited in horizontal layers

The principle of original horizontality states that layers of sediment are typically deposited in horizontal layers due to the influence of gravity. When sediments settle out of a fluid (such as water or air), they do so under the force of gravity, resulting in beds that are initially laid down horizontally. This principle is fundamental to understanding sedimentary processes and is crucial in the field of geology for interpreting the geological history of an area.

While it may seem intuitive that sediment layers could angle or curve, according to this principle, the original position of these layers assumes they started off horizontal. Any deviations from horizontal layering are the result of post-depositional processes such as tectonic activity, folding, or faulting. This understanding helps geologists reconstruct past environments and geological events, thus providing insights into the geological timeline of a region.

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Rock layers can never be distorted

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