Sedimentary Rocks

What Is Sedimentation?

Sedimentation is the combined name for all the processes that cause organic and mineral particles to settle. The particle that helps in forming the sedimentary rock is called sediment. This sediment is formed with the help of erosion and weathering from the source area and is then transported to the deposition place by the wind, water, ice and glaciers, which are agents of denudation.

The best way to examine the rock type is to check the sediment grain size and variation. Its texture refers to the features and arrangements of the grain in such sediments. Its structure is present in rock beds and under surfaces which help record the paleocurrent and has deposited in the rocks. It covers the continent of the earth’s crust, but the total contribution of these rocks is estimated to be 8% of the total volume of the crust.

Examples:

Some common sedimentary rocks are:

• Limestone
• Chalk
• Clay
• Sandstone
• Shale

These rocks cover 75% of the earth’s surface.

Types of Sedimentary Rocks

The sedimentary rocks are classified into three different types: Organic, Clastic and Chemical Sedimentary Rocks.

Types of Sedimentary Rocks

Organic Sedimentary Rocks

This rock type mainly comprises coal and limestones, which are formed due to the accumulation and deposition of dead plants and animals in rock layers.

Clastic Sedimentary Rocks

This type of rock is formed when rock layers are formed due to the mechanical weathering of different rock types.

Chemical Sedimentary Rocks

This type of rock is created when minerals that are present in rock forms undergo a chemical reaction that causes them to cool as precipitates over time before changing back to rock form.

Check out the video below for more information on sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks

 
You may also want to check out these topics given below!

• Types Of Rocks
• Rock Cycle
• Igneous rocks

Uses of Sedimentary Rocks

The use of sedimentary rock can be found in most buildings and monuments. Some uses of this type of rock are provided below.

• Limestone is used to make cement.
• Limestone and sandstone are used for building stones
• Quartz is a type of sedimentary rock which is used to make glass.
• Rock gypsum is used to make plaster.
  Natural gas, oil,  coal, uranium, and other energy resources are formed in and come from sedimentary rocks.

For more information on sedimentary rocks and their types, watch the below video

Interesting Facts about Sedimentary Rock

Sedimentary rocks are formed by sediment that is deposited over time. Some sedimentary rock facts are provided below.

• Flint is a hard, sedimentary form of the mineral quartz.
• Sedimentary rocks cover most of the Earth’s rocky surface, but they only make up a very small percentage of the planet’s crust.
• They often contain fossils of plants and animals millions of years old.
• Limestone is often made from the fossilized remains of ocean life that died millions of years ago.
• These rocks form layers called strata which can often be seen in exposed cliffs.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Q1

What are some examples of sedimentary rock?

Sandstone, limestone, and shale are examples of typical sedimentary rocks.

Q2

When and where do sedimentary rocks form?

Sedimentary rocks are created on or very close to the Earth’s surface, as opposed to igneous and metamorphic rocks, which are created very deep beneath the Earth. The most significant geological processes resulting in sedimentary rock formation are lithification, weathering, dissolution, and erosion.

Q3

How are sedimentary rocks formed?

Sedimentary rocks are created by accumulating existing rocks or fragments of extinct organisms on the Earth’s surface. Deep sediment burial causes sediment to get compressed and cemented, resulting in sedimentary rock.

Q4

What distinguishes a sedimentary rock?

It helps to know what sedimentary rocks look like if you’re seeking to identify them. Sedimentary rocks, in general, include cemented grains, typically with visible layers, fossils, or distinctive characteristics such as mud fissures or ripple lines.

Q5

What are the qualities of sedimentary rocks?

Round grains are found in layers of sedimentary rocks. The oldest layers are at the bottom, followed by the newest layers. Animal and plant fossils may be found in sedimentary rocks because they were preserved throughout rock formation.

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