The Grand Canyon

layers

Sedimentary rocks form from cementation and compaction. Sedimentary rocks form over time by: Compaction (pressure) Cementation (water causing small rock particles to stick together)

Sedimentary rocks are formed by the ongoing deposition of rocks and other sediments that are cemented together.  

Usually after burial, deposited sediment undergoes lithification The processes that turn it into a rock is called LITHIFICATION

What is lithification?

Lithification includes cementation and compaction.

Coal is a black, sedimentary rock that is formed from cementation and compaction Coal- is made from remains of plants Began forming millions of years ago Weight of sediments above pressed it into coal

Coal Mining

Sandstone Limestone Shale Limestone, shale, and sandstone are all examples of sedimentary rock. Limestone Shale

Forming and Transporting Rock Particles Sediments can be large or small They break away by wind or water (erosion)

Sediment from weathered rock is transported and deposited elsewhere such as at the beach, or in a delta, or in the deep sea. Delta

Sediment at the Beach

Sedimentary rocks are the most abundant rock on Earth’s Surface.

There is a lot to learn from sedimentary rocks

…plants and shells Limestone - shells and skeletons of ocean organisms from carbonate materials like calcite Example: White Cliffs of Dover—began forming from shells and skeletons of dead ocean organisms (see picture on next slide) coral reefs consist of limestone from dead organisms