Visualize five horizontal sedimentary strata exposed in a cliff or canyon wall identified by consecutive numbers, 1 being the lowest bed and 5 being the highest. Which of the following statements concerning the strata are true?

a. Bed 4 is older than bed 2.

b. Bed 3 is older than beds 2 and 4.

c. Bed 5 is the oldest.

d. Beds l and 3 are older than bed 4.

bed 2 was deposited before bed 3

Explanation:

Which of the following conclusions can be made about the sedimentary layers?

bed 2 was deposited after bed 3

bed 1 is the youngest

bed 3 was deposited before bed 1

bed 2 was deposited before bed 3

Only the 4 th statement is true that is bed 1 and 3 are older than 4.

Explanation:

The 5 beds are numbered from 1 to 5, 1 being the lowest and 5 being the topmost bed.

We are given 4 statements and we have to find out which all are true.

(a) Bed 4 is older than bed 2

This is wrong because the lower beds are older than beds that are higher.

(b) Bed 3 is older than beds 2 and 4

This is also wrong because the 2 is older than 3

(c) Bed 5 is the oldest

This is wrong because bed 1 is the oldest

(d) Beds 1 and 3 are older than 4

This is true as lower beds are older