What do some of the features of sedimentary rocks indicate about ancient bodies of water?

Some features of sedimentary rocks, such as ripple marks, cross-bedding, and fossils, provide insights into ancient bodies of water. Ripple marks indicate the movement of water, suggesting shallow aquatic environments, while cross-bedding can reveal the direction of water flow and sediment deposition. Fossils found within sedimentary layers can indicate the types of organisms that lived in those ancient waters, helping to reconstruct past ecosystems. Collectively, these features help geologists infer the conditions and dynamics of ancient aquatic environments.