why are the sedimentary layers at capitol reef tilted? as the north american plate moved northward, the climate shifted, and mud and sand were deposited along a sloping shoreline. volcanic eruptions to the east and west of capitol reef national park during the end of the jurassic period disturbed the horizontal strata. as magma intruded, it buckled the flat-lying sedimentary rocks. weathering and erosion loosened the underlying sediments, causing the overlying strata to collapse. the laramide orogeny is responsible for tipping the strata on their sides.
