Sedimentary Rocks Flashcard

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What are sedimentary rocks?

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Sedimentary rocks are types of rocks formed by the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles, often found in layers.

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What is the process of lithification?

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Lithification is the process through which sediments compact under pressure and gradually become solid rock.

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What is chemical weathering?

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Chemical weathering is the process that breaks down rocks through chemical reactions, often involving water and atmospheric gases.

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What is the significance of fossils in sedimentary rocks?

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Fossils found in sedimentary rocks provide evidence of past life and environmental conditions.

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What is the difference between clastic and chemical sedimentary rocks?

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Clastic sedimentary rocks are formed from fragments of other rocks, while chemical sedimentary rocks form from the precipitation of minerals from solution.

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What is the role of pressure in the formation of metamorphic rocks?

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Pressure causes the minerals in rocks to realign and form new structures, leading to the creation of metamorphic rocks.

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What type of rock is limestone?

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Limestone is a sedimentary rock that is primarily composed of calcium carbonate and often forms in marine environments.

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How does acid rain affect limestone?

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Acid rain reacts with limestone, causing it to dissolve and weather more rapidly than other types of rocks.

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What is gneiss?

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Gneiss is a metamorphic rock characterized by its banded appearance, formed under high temperature and pressure.

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What is the impact of automobile exhaust on weathering?

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Automobile exhaust increases the rate of chemical weathering by introducing pollutants that react with rocks and minerals.