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

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

•http://www.geography.ndo.co.uk/animationsweathering.htm#

http://www.uky.edu/AS/Geology/howell/goodies/elearning/module07swf.swf

Erosion

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

http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/visualization/collections/soil_erosion.html

Sediment

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

Compaction

• Occurs when pressure brings sediments together.

http://www.uky.edu/AS/Geology/howell/goodies/elearning/module05swf.swf

Cementation

• Occurs when minerals act as glue to stick sediments together

• This happens when water washes over sediments, leaving dissolved minerals behind

http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/content/visualizations/es0605/es0605page01.cfm?chapter_no=visualization

Precipitation

• Occurs when minerals solidify because of water evaporation

http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/earth/geology/sed_chemical.html

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

Stratification Fossils

Pics

Ripple Marks Mud Cracks