The image below is of a limestone quarry in Illinois. On the wall at the very back of the quarry you can see geologic strata that appear to curve upward. What type of depositional environment do these layers represent?
A)lines made by the miners as they remove material
B)cross-bedding produced at eolian sand dunes
C)layers of deep marine, sedimentary basin deposits
D)layers of shallow marine, continental shelf deposits

Question

The image below is of a limestone quarry in Illinois. On the wall at the very back of the quarry you can see geologic strata that appear to curve upward. What type of depositional environment do these layers represent? 
A)lines made by the miners as they remove material 
B)cross-bedding produced at eolian sand dunes 
C)layers of deep marine, sedimentary basin deposits 
D)layers of shallow marine, continental shelf deposits

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The upward curving layers in the limestone quarry most likely represent layers of shallow marine, continental shelf deposits. This is because the layers are horizontal and show signs of sedimentary deposition, as opposed to structural deformation caused by tectonic activity. The fact that the layers are curved suggests that they were deposited in an environment with some degree of lateral change or variation. Continental shelf environments are known to exhibit a variety of sedimentary structures, including horizontal bedding and ripples, which could contribute to the curve seen in the layers at the back of this quarry.

The Image Below Is of a Limestone Quarry in Illinois