Sedimentary Rocks: Formation of Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary rocks form through the deposition of sediments in rivers, lakes, and oceans. As sediments settle, they build layers that compact and cement over time, forming rocks. This process occurs in various environments, including rivers, lakes, and oceans, with different sediment types forming distinct rock types like sandstone, limestone, and shale. Historical sediment layers, such as those in Utah, illustrate this process. Compaction and cementation are key processes in rock formation, with lithification describing the overall transformation of sediments into rocks.

What happens to sediments as a river slows down or empties into a lake?

• They dissolve in the water.

• They float to the surface.

• They evaporate.

• They settle to the bottom.

Which type of sedimentary rock is likely to form near the shore in ocean environments?

• Shale

• Sandstone

• Granite

• Basalt

In deeper ocean waters, what type of sedimentary rock is formed from smaller particles?

• Shale

• Limestone

• Sandstone

• Conglomerate

What is the process called when overlying sediments press down on underlying sediments?

• Weathering

• Deposition

• Erosion

• Compaction

What role do dissolved minerals play in the formation of sedimentary rocks?

• They bind particles together.

• They dissolve the rocks.

• They evaporate the water.

• They erode the sediments.