Why does sandstone have layers?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Sediment deposited at intervals
Seasonal color changes — Wrong. Layers aren't from seasonal color changes—they're separate deposits of sediment laid down at different times with varying conditions (flood, drought, etc.).
Plants create dark bands — Wrong. While organic material can darken layers, the layering (stratification) itself is from sediment deposited in distinct episodes over time.
Sediment deposited at intervals ✓ — Correct! Sandstone layers (strata) form as sediment is deposited over time—each layer represents a deposition event (flood, storm, etc.). Conditions vary: different sediment size, mineral content, or organic matter create visible boundaries. Over millions of years and compression, these become distinct rock layers preserving Earth's history!
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