Sedimentary Rocks Formation Process

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Questions and Answers

What are the three general classifications of rocks?

  • Sedimentary, metamorphic, igneous (correct)
  • Igneous, basaltic, metamorphic
  • Sedimentary, volcanic, metamorphic
  • Granitic, sedimentary, metamorphic

Which type of rocks make up about three-quarters of all rocks on Earth's surface?

  • Igneous rocks
  • Metamorphic rocks
  • Sedimentary rocks (correct)
  • Volcanic rocks

What is the main characteristic that makes sedimentary rocks unique compared to the other rock types?

  • They are transparent
  • They are mostly formed from molten lava
  • They contain fossils (correct)
  • They are formed under high pressure and temperature

Which of the following is NOT a component that can be found in sedimentary rocks?

<p>Volcanic glass (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which process do sedimentary rocks experience the settling of clasts on a surface?

<p>Deposition (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the process by which layers of rocks compress closer together called?

<p>Compaction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes involves the breaking apart of larger rocks?

<p>Weathering (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic that makes sedimentary rocks unique compared to metamorphic and igneous rocks?

<p>They contain fossils (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process involves the movement of rock pieces?

<p>Erosion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the breaking apart of larger rocks?

<p>Weathering (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of rocks are often formed from pieces or chunks of other rocks known as clasts?

<p>Sedimentary rocks (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step in the formation of sedimentary rocks?

<p>Lithification (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which step involves the settling of clasts on a surface?

<p>Deposition (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do sedimentary rocks contain a historic record of the environment?

<p>Because they contain fossils (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

  • There are three general classifications of rocks: sedimentary rocks, metamorphic rocks, and igneous rocks, each with unique characteristics and formation processes.
  • Sedimentary rocks make up about three-quarters of all rocks on Earth's surface and are the only rocks that contain fossils, preserving a historic record of the environment at the time of their formation.
  • Sedimentary rocks are often formed from pieces or chunks of other rocks, referred to as clasts, which can vary in size and composition including mineral crystals and organic materials like bones, skeletons, shells, or plants.
  • Sedimentary rocks form through five basic steps: weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, and lithification, with weathering being the breaking apart of larger rocks, erosion as the movement of rock pieces, deposition as the settling of clasts on a surface, compaction as the layers of rocks compress closer together, and lithification as the cementing of rock pieces together by minerals dissolved in water.
  • The five processes required to make any sedimentary rock are weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, and lithification.

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