15 Questions
What do sedimentary rocks preserve?
A record of history
What does stratification refer to in sedimentary rock?
The process of making strata
What structures provide clues about the environment where sedimentary rocks formed?
Graded bedding and cross-bedding
How do sedimentary rocks form?
Through compression and cementation of sediment
What is the term used to describe the layering found in sedimentary rock?
Stratification
What natural forces move sediment grains around before they settle?
Water, ice, and wind
What do sedimentary rocks contain besides bits of pre-existing rocks or minerals?
"Stratification" layers and bits of organic material
What do changes in color in sedimentary rocks indicate?
Different minerals and origins of the sediments
What can be inferred from the presence of rounded grains in sedimentary rocks?
The sediment arrived via water
What is the significance of graded bedding in sedimentary rocks?
Indicates a current of water loaded with sediment
What does cross-bedding reveal about the environment in which sedimentary rocks originated?
It originated in a beach, river, or sand dunes
What can be inferred from the presence of ripple marks in sedimentary rocks?
The rock originated in a stream bed, lake, or beach
What is the significance of mud cracks in sedimentary rocks?
They indicate periods of wetting and drying in specific environments
How can studying layers of sedimentary rocks help infer clues about their origin?
By examining the shape of different sediment grains
What does graded bedding in sedimentary rocks indicate about the age of rocks within a sequence?
The larger and older grains are typically found at the base of the bed
Explore how sedimentary rocks preserve clues about the environment where they formed and learn about structures such as graded bedding, cross-bedding, ripple marks, and mud cracks. Uncover the history preserved in sedimentary rock formations.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
