Sedimentary Rocks
Introduction to Sedimentary Rocks
Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and lithification of sediments, which can include fragments of other rocks, minerals, and organic material. These rocks are often layered, or stratified, and are commonly found in environments such as rivers, lakes, and oceans where sediments are deposited over time.
Sedimentary rocks provide valuable information about Earth's history, including past climates, environments, and life forms. They are also a major source of fossils, which offer insights into the evolution of life on our planet.
This page explores the formation, classification, and significance of sedimentary rocks, covering the different types, including clastic, chemical, and organic sedimentary rocks, and their role in the rock cycle.
Clastic Sedimentary Rocks
Clastic sedimentary rocks are formed from the fragments of pre-existing rocks that have been transported, deposited, and lithified. These rocks are classified based on the size of the particles that make them up, ranging from coarse-grained conglomerates to fine-grained shales.
Explore this section to learn about the processes that lead to the formation of clastic sedimentary rocks, the different types, and their significance in geology.
Chemical Sedimentary Rocks
Chemical sedimentary rocks are formed from the precipitation of minerals from solution, often in bodies of water. Examples include limestone, which is primarily composed of calcium carbonate, and evaporites such as gypsum and halite.
Learn about the formation processes, characteristics, and types of chemical sedimentary rocks in this section.
Organic Sedimentary Rocks
Organic sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation of plant and animal debris. Coal, which is derived from ancient plant material, and some types of limestone, formed from the shells of marine organisms, are examples of organic sedimentary rocks.
This section delves into the formation, types, and importance of organic sedimentary rocks, including their role in Earth's carbon cycle and as fossil fuel resources.