Geology Chapter 6: Sedimentary Rocks

Questions and Answers

What type of rock forms at or near the surface of the Earth by cementing together of loose grains?

Sedimentary Rock

What do the open spaces between particles in sedimentary rocks preserve?

Coal, Natural Gas, Oil, and H2O

What is a Clastic Sedimentary Rock made of?

Cemented-together solid fragments and grains derived from preexisting rocks

What do Biochemical Sedimentary Rocks consist of?

Cemented shells of organisms Signup and view all the answers

What type of rock consists of carbon-rich remains of once living organisms?

Organic Sedimentary Rocks Signup and view all the answers

What defines Chemical Sedimentary Rocks?

Made up of minerals that precipitate directly from water solutions Signup and view all the answers

What is the process by which sediment is transformed into solid rock?

Lithification Signup and view all the answers

What is cementation in sedimentary rocks?

Minerals that precipitate from groundwater fill the spaces between the clasts. Signup and view all the answers

What does weathering refer to in the context of sedimentary rock formation?

Detritus forms from physical and chemical weathering Signup and view all the answers

What is erosion?

A combination of processes that separate rock or regolith from its substrate and carry it away Signup and view all the answers

What refers to the movement of sediment by wind, water, or ice?

Transportation Signup and view all the answers

What is deposition in relation to sedimentary rocks?

The process by which sediment settles out of the transporting material Signup and view all the answers

The size of clasts in sedimentary rocks is defined as the diameter of the clasts making up the rock, with gravel being greater than ____ mm.

2 Signup and view all the answers

Match the sediment sizes with their descriptions:

Gravel = > 2 mm Sand = 2 mm - 1/16 mm, visible to naked eye Silt = 1/16 - 1/256 mm, not visible Clay = Less than 1/256 mm, can not see Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sedimentary Rocks Overview

Form at or near Earth's surface through processes such as cementing, precipitation of minerals, accumulation of shell fragments, or growth of shell-producing organisms.

Storage Potential

Pore spaces in sedimentary rocks are crucial for storing resources like Coal, Natural Gas, Oil, and Water.

Types of Sedimentary Rocks

Clastic Sedimentary Rock: Forms from cemented rock fragments (clasts) derived from preexisting rocks.
Biochemical Sedimentary Rocks: Composed of shell sediments from once living organisms; includes cemented shells that accumulate post-mortem.
Organic Sedimentary Rocks: Made up of carbon-rich remains derived from plant life.
Chemical Sedimentary Rocks: Consist of minerals that crystallize directly from water solutions.

Formation Processes

Weathering: Involves the breakdown of rocks into detritus through physical and chemical processes.
Erosion: A combination of processes that detach and transport rock or regolith from its original substrate.
Transportation: Involves the movement of sediment by wind, water, or ice.
Deposition: The process where sediment settles out from the transporting medium.

Lithification and Cementation

Lithification: Transformation of loose sediment into solid rock, aided by the pressure from overlying materials that expel water and air.
Cementation: Involves minerals like quartz and calcite precipitating from groundwater and filling in spaces between clasts.

Clast Size Classification

Gravel (Conglomerate): Clast diameter > 2mm
Sand (Sandstone): Clast diameter between 2mm - 1/16mm, visible to the naked eye.
Silt (Siltstone): Clast diameter between 1/16mm - 1/256mm, not visible to the naked eye.
Clay (Claystone): Clasts too small to be seen without magnification.

Description

Explore the fascinating world of sedimentary rocks with this quiz. It covers key concepts including their formation, characteristics, and significance in the Earth's geology. Perfect for geology students looking to reinforce their understanding of Chapter 6.