What can lithostratigraphic sequences help interpret?

Lithostratigraphic sequences are crucial for understanding geologic history because they represent layers of sedimentary rock that have been deposited over time in a specific location. Each layer, or sequence, contains valuable information about the environment in which it was formed, including changes in sediment type, texture, and thickness. By analyzing these sequences, geologists can reconstruct past environments, including ancient shorelines, river systems, and dry lake beds, as well as identify significant geological events such as volcanic eruptions or glaciations.

The study of these sequences allows geologists to discern patterns of deposition and erosion, track changes in sea level, and interpret the timeframe of geological events. This in turn provides insights into the processes that shaped the Earth's surface throughout its history. Understanding geologic history is essential for constructing a broader picture of topics such as plate tectonics, paleoclimates, and the evolution of life on Earth.

Other options focus on aspects that, while they can be influenced by geological processes, are not the primary functions of lithostratigraphy. For example, mineral composition pertains more to petrology and mineralogy, soil fertility relates to agriculture and soil science, and groundwater levels are primarily governed by hydrology rather than lithostratigraphy itself.