Scientists have observed large concentrations of heavy-metal deposits in the upper twenty centimeters of Baltic Sea sediments, which are consistent with the growth of industrial activity there.
A. Baltic Sea sediments, which are consistent with the growth of industrial activity there
B. Baltic Sea sediments, where the growth of industrial activity is consistent with these findings
C. Baltic Sea sediments, findings consistent with its growth of industrial activity
D. sediments from the Baltic Sea, findings consistent with the growth of industrial activity in the area
E. sediments from the Baltic Sea, consistent with the growth of industrial activity there
In-depth Explanation and Correct Answer Below (so you don’t see it while reviewing the question)
Scientists have observed large concentrations… Explanation
Scientists have observed large concentrations of heavy-metal deposits in the upper twenty centimeters of Baltic Sea sediments, which are consistent with the growth of industrial activity there.
(A) Baltic Sea sediments, which are consistent with the growth of industrial activity there
It’s the heavy metal deposits that are consistent with the growth of industry.
(B) Baltic Sea sediments, where the growth of industrial activity is consistent with these findings
Use “where” for places.
(C) Baltic Sea sediments, findings consistent with its growth of industrial activity
What is “its” referring to? The Baltic sea? The sea itself doesn’t seem like a logical place for industrial activity.
(D) sediments from the Baltic Sea, findings consistent with the growth of industrial activity in the area
(E) sediments from the Baltic Sea, consistent with the growth of industrial activity there
What does “there” refer to? Baltic Sea? The sea itself doesn’t seem like a logical place for the industrial growth.
Correct Answer: D
For some SC guidance, here’s a link to a breakdown of GMAT sentence correction.