Sedimentary Rocks
Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and compaction of loose sediments, which are typically derived from the weathering of pre-existing rocks, the accumulation of organic matter, or the precipitation of minerals from water. These sediments are transported by wind, water, ice, or gravity and deposited in layers.
Classes of Sedimentary Rocks
There are three main classes of sedimentary rocks:
- Clastic Rocks: Formed from the accumulation of clastic sediments, such as rock fragments, sand, silt, or clay.
- Examples from a Pacific island: Sandstone, conglomerate, breccia
- Chemical Rocks: Formed from the precipitation of minerals from water, such as calcite, dolomite, or salt.
- Examples from a Pacific island: Limestone, dolostone, evaporites
- Biogenic Rocks: Formed from the accumulation of organic matter, such as the remains of plants and animals.
- Examples from a Pacific island: Coal, oil shale, reef limestone
Formation of Sedimentary Rocks
Clastic Rocks:
- Weathered rock fragments are transported by water, wind, or ice.
- Sediments are deposited in layers and compacted by the weight of overlying sediments.
- Mineral cements fill the spaces between the sediments, bonding them together.
Chemical Rocks:
- Minerals precipitate from water when the water becomes saturated with dissolved ions.
- Evaporites form when water evaporates from bodies of water, leaving behind dissolved salts.
Biogenic Rocks:
- Plants and animals die and their remains accumulate.
- Organic matter is converted into coal or oil shale under high pressure and temperature.
- Reef limestone forms from the accumulation of coral, mollusks, and other marine organisms.