a geologist points excitedly at the canyon wall while holding a magnifying glass to examine the rock surface. Her colleague takes notes as they both study the clearly visible bands running horizontally across the stone. The rock face displays alternating layers of different colors - dark brown, light tan, and reddish bands that create distinct parallel lines. These bands formed over millions of years as different sediments were deposited in ancient seas. Other researchers in the background measure and photograph similar banded patterns on adjacent rock walls. the series of ridges, furrows, and linear marks that form bands or layers of different colors and textures