sedimentary rocks
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Sedimentary Rocks. Sedimentary rocks are those that are formed from the collection of sediments from pre-existing rocks or through organic materials. Formation of Sedimentary Rocks. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Sedimentary Rocks
Sedimentary rocks are those that are formed from the
collection of sediments from pre-existing rocks or through
organic materials.
Formation of Sedimentary RocksMost sedimentary rocks are composed of sediments
(sometimes called “clasts”) associated with the weathering of older rock.
The sediments that are weathered from older rock are transported to new locations by an erosional agent – like
streams or glaciers.
Most of these sediments will eventually be deposited as horizontal beds in large bodies of water. Over time, these deposited sediments will transform into sedimentary rock
through a number of different processes including:
-- COMPACTION-- CEMENTATION
-- CHEMICAL ACTION-- ORGANIC PROCESSES
Compaction and Cementation
Many sediments exposed to movements of the Earth and/or the weight of overlying large bodies of water over long periods of time
are “compressed” together – reducing pore space and volume between sediments or clasts. This is known as compaction.
Most sediments that experience compaction also experience cementation. Cementation occurs when dissolved minerals in water precipitate in the pore
space between sediments “cementing” them together.
Shale is formed from the
compaction of clay sediments.
Sandstone is formed from the compaction and cementation of sand sediments.
Clastic Sedimentary Rocks
Chemical ActionWater at Earth’s surface contains many soluble minerals
(minerals dissolved in water).
When water evaporates, the minerals in solution will precipitate out as a solid, crystalline form known as an evaporite. Evaporites are
composed of one mineral and are non-clastic. Non-clastic sedimentary rocks are rocks that are not made up of “clasts” or sediments.
Evaporites are also called chemical sedimentary rock.
A B C
Examples of chemical sedimentary rocks (evaporites) include: rock salt (A), rock gypsum (B), and dolostone (C).
Non-Clastic Sedimentary Rocks
Organic Processes Bioclastic Sedimentary Rocks
Some sedimentary rocks are formed from the organic processes of living things. These rocks are often referred to as bioclastic sedimentary rocks.
Bioclastic sedimentary rocks are those made by living things or are composed of minerals
precipitated out of living things.
Bituminous Coal is compacted
remains of plants.
Fossiliferous Limestone is
formed by the compaction and cementation of shell fragments.
Distinguishing Features of Sedimentary Rocks
1. Most are clastic.
2. Most are clasts are round.
3. Most clasts are sorted by size.
4. Fossils are found in sedimentary rock.
Distinguishing Features of Sedimentary Rocks
5. Most sedimentary rock is arranged in
layers.
6. Some sedimentary rock preserves features that may
appear in a depositional system (Ex: mud cracks or
ripple marks from a stream.).
Identifying Sedimentary Rocks
RT = Pg. 7
The clasts within a sedimentary rock measure .002 cm in diameter. What is
the name of the rock?SILTSTONE