Types of Discontinuities in Geology “When we look at rock layers in the heart of mountains or by the sea, we might think that these layers have always been in the same shape and order. But the reality is that the Earth has a history of ups and downs. Initially, sediments are deposited horizontally on the seafloor. But over time, factors such as folding, faults or orogenic movements cause these layers to shift, bend or even emerge from under the water. In this case, the surface of the Earth is exposed to erosion and a break in the natural process of sedimentation is created. This break is called a discontinuity. In fact, there is no point on Earth that has always been under water throughout geological history and sediments have accumulated on top of each other without stopping. Discontinuities are signs of times when sedimentation stopped and the land underwent changes. Create a 70-second animation based on the text.