Questions: 4. The photo shows a sample of sandstone, a type of sedimentary rock. Which step occurred first in the formation of sandstone? SC.4.E.6.1 A. Magma erupted and cooled on the bottom of the ocean. B. Rocks were broken down into sediments by wind, water, or ice. C. Sediments were cemented together beneath the surface. D. Sediments were squeezed together beneath the surface.

The answer is the second one (or B): Rocks were broken down into sediments by wind, water, or ice.

Explanation for each option:

A. Magma erupted and cooled on the bottom of the ocean.

• This option describes the formation of igneous rocks, not sedimentary rocks like sandstone. Therefore, it is incorrect.

B. Rocks were broken down into sediments by wind, water, or ice.

• This is the correct answer. The formation of sedimentary rocks like sandstone begins with the weathering and erosion of pre-existing rocks into smaller particles or sediments.

C. Sediments were cemented together beneath the surface.

• This step occurs later in the process of forming sedimentary rocks, after the sediments have been deposited. Therefore, it is not the first step.

D. Sediments were squeezed together beneath the surface.

• This step, known as compaction, also occurs later in the process, after the sediments have been deposited. It is not the first step.

Summary: The first step in the formation of sandstone is the breakdown of rocks into sediments by wind, water, or ice. This process is described in option B.