Sedimentary Rocks Analysis Essay Example
Sedimentary Rocks Analysis Essay Example

Sedimentary Rocks Analysis Essay Example

Available Only on StudyHippo
Topics:
  • Pages: 2 (428 words)
  • Published: April 27, 2017
  • Type: Analysis
View Entire Sample
Text preview

Sedimentary rocks comprise 75% of the Earth's surface, and are created through the accumulation of sediment layers that include dust, dirt and small rocks, which are then spread by the forces of wind, water and ice. New layers are continually added, with each layer exerting pressure on the underlying rock until it becomes solid stone.

The process of lithification produces sedimentary rocks which are known as stratified rock due to the layers or strata present within them. Sandstone, limestone, shale and conglomerate are some examples of common sedimentary rocks. (Think Quest, n. d) Unlike other rocks that form while hot, sedimentary rocks form cool as they are typically created in underwater environments.

Alden (n.d.) supports the theory that sedimentary rocks are formed underwater due to the majority of the Earth's surface being submerged in water. There are three categories of s

...

edimentary rocks - classic, organic, and chemical. Classic sedimentary rocks comprise granular materials like sand, mud, gravel, and clay which are commonly found in everyday settings. They differ from deeper minerals as they consist of basic minerals located on the Earth's surface.

The primary rock that develops underwater is the organic sedimentary rock. It comprises dust-sized shells from deceased plankton, which aggregate to form the rock. Even though the material used isn't organic, it is still classified as the organic sedimentary rock. Two variants of the rock are formed from the dust-sized shells: limestone and chert. (Alden, n.)

d) Sedimentary rocks, such as rock salt, gypsum rock, dolomites and limestone, are formed from minerals that become concentrated in areas where the sea was shallow and began to dry up. This process is known as the evaporate sequence, which involves

View entire sample
Join StudyHippo to see entire essay

evaporation to form the rock. According to Alden (n.d), sedimentary rocks are significant to humans due to their rich geological history compared to other rocks that may be difficult to understand by simply examining them.

While it may take some time to comprehend the message conveyed by certain rocks, sedimentary rocks are quite informative about the geological history of their formation. The study of such rocks enables us to gain insights into the development of Earth and our knowledge of it is largely derived from them. The natural phenomena that transpired many centuries ago can be deciphered through sedimentary rocks interred within the planet’s surface.

To analyze rocks, it is necessary to find them and inspect them thoroughly. However, this method can be complex and lengthy, resulting in less data than previous investigations. This approach can also be utilized with other types of rocks.

Get an explanation on any task
Get unstuck with the help of our AI assistant in seconds
New