According to the Law of Original Horizontality, how are sediments originally deposited?

The Law of Original Horizontality states that layers of sediments are originally deposited in a horizontal position due to the influence of gravity. When sediments are transported by water, wind, or ice, they settle and accumulate in horizontal layers, which later become sedimentary rock. This principle is fundamental in geology because it helps geologists understand the geological history of an area by interpreting the orientations of rock layers.

Sedimentary processes, such as the accumulation of sand at the bottom of a river or the settling of clay particles in still water, inherently result in these horizontal arrangements. If sediment layers are found tilted or deformed, this indicates subsequent geological events, such as tectonic activity, that have altered their original horizontal position. Thus, understanding this law is essential for interpreting the deposition, compaction, and alteration of sedimentary rocks over geological time.