The outer flanks of the Colorado Plateau are marked by a series of ________ displaying a narrow zone of steeply inclined beds that flatten out to form elevated upland areas.
A)overturned anticlines
B)monoclines
C)recumbent synclines
D)imbricate thrust faults

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The narrow zone of steeply inclined beds described in the question is characteristic of monoclines, which are large, asymmetric folds in rock layers. Monoclines are a common feature of the Colorado Plateau and can be seen on its outer flanks. Option A, overturned anticlines, refers to a type of fold where the layers of rock are overturned so that the oldest layers are on top. Option C, recumbent synclines, refers to a type of fold where the layers of rock are upside-down U-shaped in cross-section. Option D, imbricate thrust faults, refers to a type of fault where rocks are stacked on top of each other like shingles on a roof.

The Outer Flanks of the Colorado Plateau Are Marked by a Series