SEDIMENTARY ROCKS Meaning and
Definition
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Sedimentary rocks are a type of rock formation that are created from the accumulation and solidification of sediment over time. Sediment refers to any type of material such as organic matter, minerals, or rock fragments that are transported and deposited by water, wind, or ice. These sediments undergo a process known as lithification, which involves compaction and cementation, eventually transforming them into solid rock.
In general, sedimentary rocks are characterized by distinct layers or strata, known as bedding planes, that form due to the deposition of different sediments over time. The layers may vary in composition, grain size, and color, reflecting the changing environmental conditions during deposition.
Some common examples of sedimentary rocks include sandstone, limestone, shale, and conglomerate. Sandstone is composed of sand-sized mineral grains and is often associated with ancient desert environments or coastal regions. Limestone is predominantly made up of calcite or aragonite, and is formed through the accumulation of marine organisms such as coral or shell fragments. Shale is composed of fine-grained sediment, primarily clay minerals, and is often found in calm water environments. Conglomerate is a coarse-grained rock consisting of rounded pebbles or cobbles cemented together, indicating transport and deposition in a high-energy environment such as a river.
Overall, sedimentary rocks provide valuable insights into Earth's history, as they preserve evidence of past environments, climate changes, and even the presence of fossils.
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Rocks that have been formed from the deposition of materials that had been held in suspension by water.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
- sedimentwry rock
- sedimentaru rock
- aedimentary rocks
- zedimentary rocks
- xedimentary rocks
- dedimentary rocks
- eedimentary rocks
- wedimentary rocks
- swdimentary rocks
- ssdimentary rocks
- sddimentary rocks
- srdimentary rocks
- s4dimentary rocks
- s3dimentary rocks
- sesimentary rocks
- seximentary rocks
- secimentary rocks
- sefimentary rocks
- serimentary rocks
- seeimentary rocks
Etymology of SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
The word "sedimentary" comes from the Latin word "sedimentum", which means "settling", "deposit", or "sediment". It is derived from the Latin verb "sedere", meaning "to sit" or "to settle". The term "rocks" refers to the solid, mineral-based materials that compose the Earth's crust. Therefore, the term "sedimentary rocks" refers to rocks that have formed by the accumulation and consolidation of sediments, which have settled and deposited over time.
Similar spelling words for SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
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