What are the differences between sedimentary rocks and metamorphic rocks?

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Solution

Sedimentary rocks are usually formed by sedimentation of the Earth’s material, and this normally occurs inside water bodies.Metamorphic rocks are the result of the transformation of other rocks. Rocks that are subjected to intense heat and pressure change their original shape and form, and become Metamorphic rocks. Here are some differences listed below.

Sedimentary rocks Metamorphic rocks

Sedimentary rocks are formed by the accumulation of other eroded substances Metamorphic rocks are formed when rocks change their original shape and form due to intense heat or pressure.

Sedimentary rocks are usually found in water bodies (sea, oceans etc.). Metamorphic rocks are found on the Earth’s surface.

Examples of Sedimentary rocks include shale, limestone and sandstone. Common examples of Metamorphic rocks are marble, slate and quartzite.

As sediment accumulates with time (thousands of years) it becomes compacted and cemented (lithified), eventually forming rock. Metamorphic rock structure is either foliated (has a definite planar structure) or nonfoliated (massive, without structure).

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Similar questions

Tick the correct answer.

(i) The rock which is made up of molten magma is

(a) Igneous

(b) Sedimentary

(ii) The innermost layer of the Earth is

(a) Crust

(b) Core

(iii) Gold, petroleum and coal are examples of

(a) Rocks

(b) Minerals

(iv) Rocks which contain fossils are

(a) Sedimentary rocks

(b) Metamorphic rocks

(v) The thinnest layer of the Earth is

(a) Crust

(b) Mantle

igneous,metamorphic and sedimentary rocks are associated with which type of minerals.

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Sedimentary rocks	Metamorphic rocks
Sedimentary rocks are formed by the accumulation of other eroded substances	Metamorphic rocks are formed when rocks change their original shape and form due to intense heat or pressure.
Sedimentary rocks are usually found in water bodies (sea, oceans etc.).	Metamorphic rocks are found on the Earth’s surface.
Examples of Sedimentary rocks include shale, limestone and sandstone.	Common examples of Metamorphic rocks are marble, slate and quartzite.
As sediment accumulates with time (thousands of years) it becomes compacted and cemented (lithified), eventually forming rock.	Metamorphic rock structure is either foliated (has a definite planar structure) or nonfoliated (massive, without structure).