What does an unconformity in rock layers represent?

An unconformity in rock layers represents a buried erosional surface that signifies a gap in geological time. This occurs when there is a period during which erosion removes previously formed rock layers, or when sedimentation does not occur for an extended duration. As a result, when new layers of rock are deposited above the eroded surface, there is a missing record of geological events that took place during that time.

This missing section of time is crucial for geologists, as it can indicate significant geological processes or environmental changes that may have occurred. Understanding unconformities helps to reconstruct the geologic history of a region, allowing scientists to piece together the timeline of Earth's development.