Which process is responsible for the creation of sedimentary layers in geological formations?

The creation of sedimentary layers in geological formations is primarily the result of deposition. This process involves the accumulation of sediments that are transported by wind, water, or ice. When these transporting agents lose energy, they deposit the sediments in various environments, such as river beds, lakes, or ocean floors. Over time, layers of this deposited material build up, compress, and cement together, leading to the formation of sedimentary rock.

Erosion, while it plays a vital role in shaping the Earth's landscape by breaking down rocks and transporting sediments, does not create sedimentary layers on its own; rather, it is part of the larger cycle that includes both erosion and deposition. Subduction refers to the process where one tectonic plate moves under another and is not directly responsible for sedimentary layer formation. Transformative shifts, which may refer to tectonic shifts or metamorphic processes, also do not contribute to sedimentary layer formation. Thus, deposition is the key process to focus on in relation to the creation of sedimentary layers.