Sedimentary Rock Formation Process

What are the three general classifications of rocks?

• Sedimentary, Metamorphic, Igneous

• Coal, Diamond, Sandstone

• Basalt, Granite, Marble

• Slate, Quartzite, Schist

Approximately what fraction of the Earth's surface is covered by sedimentary rocks?

• One-third

• Three-quarters

• One-half

• One-quarter

Which materials can sedimentary rocks be made from?

• Mineral crystals and organic material

• Only metallic elements

• Only mineral crystals

• Only organic material

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

• Compaction

• Weathering

• Deposition

• Erosion

What forces contribute to the weathering of rocks?

• Chemical reactions only

• Wind, water, ice, gravity

• Gravity and biological activity only

• Wind and water only

What is the role of erosion in the formation of sedimentary rocks?

• Compacting rock layers

• Cementing rock pieces together

• Transporting rock pieces

• Breaking rocks into smaller pieces

During which step do rock pieces come to rest?

• Lithification

• Weathering

• Erosion

• Deposition

What happens during the compaction step of sedimentary rock formation?

• Rock pieces are transported

• Rock layers are pressed together

• Rock pieces are broken down

• Minerals glue rock pieces together

What is lithification in the context of sedimentary rock formation?

• The breaking apart of rocks

• The cementing of rock pieces together

• The deposition of rock pieces

• The transport of rock pieces

Which of the following is NOT a step in the formation of sedimentary rocks?

• Weathering

• Deposition

• Melting

• Erosion