Sedimentary Rock Formation Processes

Look at the image of sedimentary rock.

Which statement explains the process of sedimentary rock formation?

• Over a long period of time, sediments are first deposited, then compacted, and

  finally cemented together.

• Over a long period of time, sediments are first compacted, then deposited, and

  finally cemented together.

• Over a short period of time, sediments are first compacted, then deposited, and

  finally cemented together.

• Over a short period of time, sediments are first deposited, then compacted, and

  finally cemented together.

Mr. Melrath’s class has been studying the formation of sedimentary rock. He asks

his students to order the steps needed to form sedimentary rock.

1. Erosion moves the sediments.

2. The sediments are deposited.

3. Weathering breaks down the rocks.

4. The sediments are cemented together.

5. The sediments are compacted together.

Which shows the correct order of the formation of sedimentary rock?

• 1, 3, 2, 4, 5

• 3, 1, 2, 5, 4

• 3, 2, 1, 4, 5

• 1, 3, 5, 4, 2

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

The picture below shows sedimentary rock.

The striations in the rock were formed by —

• years of compressed mineral deposits.

• a rapid rise in the water level.

• fast erosion from wind.

• layers of magma that cooled on top of each other.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The particles in some sedimentary rocks were originally large boulders broken

down by —

• heat and pressure

• melting and cooling

• erosion and weathering

• compacting and cementing

A geologist is studying rock formations in a canyon.

Which process is primarily responsible for creating the layered appearance of the rocks in the

image?

• Volcanic eruptions

• Erosion by wind

• Deposition of sediments

• Metamorphic transformation

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

A student is examining a piece of shale, a type of sedimentary rock.

What characteristic of shale formation is responsible for its tendency to split into thin layers?

• It was formed by the rapid cooling of lava.

• It underwent intense heat and pressure during formation.

• It was formed by the deposition of fine sediment in thin layers.

• It experienced chemical changes that created weak points.

A student is examining a sample of sandstone. What process caused the sand grains in this

sandstone to stick together?

• Weathering broke the sand into smaller, more tightly packed grains.

• Erosion moved the sand grains closer to each other over time.

• Compaction squeezed the sand grains together under great pressure.

• Cementation bound the sand grains together with mineral-rich fluids.

Students are examining a model of sedimentary rock formation in a stream.

What will likely happen to the deposited sediment in Area C over a long period of time?

• It will be carried away by future floods.

• It will be compressed and cemented into sedimentary rock.

• It will transform into igneous rock due to heat.

• It will remain as loose sediment indefinitely.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

A geologist is studying a cliff face made of sedimentary rock.

What do the different layers in this cliff face represent?

• They show periods of volcanic activity in the area.

• They indicate episodes of earthquake activity over time.

• They represent different periods of sediment deposition.

• They show the effects of weathering on the rock face.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

A student is observing changes in a riverbank over time. Which process is primarily responsible for transforming loose sediment into solid rock?

• Weathering is breaking down the sediment into smaller pieces.

• Erosion is carrying away most of the original sediment.

• Compaction and cementation transform loose sediment into rock.

• Deposition is adding new layers of sediment to the riverbank.