Sedimentary Rock Classification and Formation

Weathering the breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces (sediments) over time due to heat, wind, water, ice, pressure and gravity

Erosion  the movement of sediments caused by wind, water, ice and gravity

Sediment  The minerals, sand, shells, small rocks and organic matter that make up sedimentary rocks.

Compaction Occurs when pressure brings sediments together.

Cementation Occurs when minerals act as glue to stick sediments together This happens when water washes over sediments, leaving dissolved minerals behind ns/es0605/es0605page01.cfm?chapter_no=visualization

Precipitation Occurs when minerals solidify because of water evaporation

Clastic Rocks from compaction and cementation of sediments (sand, shells, minerals, and small rocks)

Chemical Rocks  Form when minerals solidify into rock after the water they were dissolved in evaporates (precipitation)

Organic Rocks  from compaction and cementation of organic materials and/or sediments (sand, shells, minerals, and small rocks)  These are the only rocks that contain organic material

Features of Sedimentary Rocks Stratification: arranged in visible layers. Fossils: remains, impressions, or evidence of plant/animal existence preserved in rock. Ripple Marks: fixed sand patterns formed by wind, stream, waves, currents. Mud Cracks: muddy water dries out.

Pics StratificationFossils

Pics Ripple MarksMud Cracks