Sedimentary Rocks

What is a sedimentary rock?

• A sedimentary rock is a rock that is made of sediment (sand, gravel, mud, minerals) that has hardened.

How are sedimentary rocks formed?

• They are formed when sediment is compacted by newer layers of sediment above it. Water then evaporates out and cements the sediment together forming sedimentary rock.

Examples of Sedimentary Rock:

• Sandstone• Limestone• Coal • Shale

Classification of sedimentary rocks:

• Clastic- bits of rock cemented together. Clastic rocks are then classified by the size and type of the particles they contain. (Ex: Sandstone)

• Non-clastic- formed from minerals when the water has evaporated out of it. (Ex: Limestone)