What causes the rock layers of mountains to form zigzag shape?(1 point)
Responses
a normal fault
continental plate uplift
folding of rock
a transform fault
folding of rock
The formation of zigzag-shaped rock layers in mountains is typically a result of folding of rock. When tectonic forces act upon the earth's crust, rocks can become deformed and bent. This deformation is caused by movements in the Earth's lithosphere, such as the collision of continental plates or the interaction of different types of faults.
To understand why folding of rock causes the zigzag shape, let's break it down step by step:
1. First, there is a horizontal compression force acting on the rock layers, causing them to buckle and fold.
2. As the fold progresses, the rock layers are subjected to additional forces and stress. This can lead to further bending and the formation of sharp angles or zigzags.
3. Over time, these folded rock layers can be further uplifted by tectonic forces, resulting in the creation of mountain ranges.
It's important to note that the other options you listed, such as normal fault, continental plate uplift, and transform fault, can also play a role in the formation of mountains. However, they typically do not directly result in the distinctive zigzag shape of the rock layers. Instead, they contribute to the overall deformation and uplift of the rocks that eventually create the mountainous structures.