Beneath the Mediterranean Sea, large deposits of salt and layers of wind-deposited sand dating from around 6 million years ago are present. Which of the following would you conclude based upon this information?
A) The Mediterranean Sea once evaporated, leaving behind large salt deposits and creating a desert-like environment of wind-blown sands
B) The Mediterranean Sea was once deeper than at present, depositing large amounts of salt and layered sand
C) The environment within the Mediterranean Sea has not changed from 6 million years ago to today.
D) Sand and salt have blown into the Mediterranean Sea from the surrounding desert areas

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of large salt deposits and layers of wind-deposited sand beneath the Mediterranean Sea suggests that the sea once evaporated, leaving behind these deposits and creating a desert-like environment where wind could deposit sand. This is consistent with the Messinian Salinity Crisis theory.

Beneath the Mediterranean Sea, Large Deposits of Salt and Layers