Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary rocks are rocks formed from sediment. They are deposited over time, and often show layers which can be seen in cliffs. 

Sediments are usually formed from matter which falls to the bottom of oceans and lakes. The matter includes tiny pieces of other rocks, and dead animals, plants and microorganisms. The three most common sedimentary rocks are limestone, sandstone, and shale.

Sedimentary rocks cover 75–80% of the Earth’s land area, but they make up only 5% of the Earth’s crust. The relative abundances of the different types of sedimentary rocks are:

  • Shale———-60%
  • Sandstone—20%
  • Carbonate—15%
  • All others—–5%

Limestoneshale7342

Two types of sedimentary rock: limey shale overlaid by limestone. Cumberland Plateau, Tennessee.

Red sandstone, Hilbre Island

Red sandstone: Wirral, England

Sedimentary-rock

Sedimentary rock: Karnataka, India

Consolidation

Squeezed and compressed over time, the sediments become ‘consolidated’ (made solid) into layers of rock.

Pressure solution sandstone

Pressure solution at work, causing the rock to become more compact and harder. Loose sand can become sandstone in this way.

Dissolved minerals drip into the cracks. When the water evaporates, the minerals become part of the rock. It is the sticking together of sediment that forms a rock.

Consolidated rocks may be changed some more, by water seeping through, or by heat and extreme pressure.

Types of sedimentary rock

Sediments are formed by three processes:

  1. Solids swept down from the land
  2. Bits & pieces laid down in water, e.g. shells
  3. Chemicals in water

Sedimentary rocks may be found anywhere on Earth.

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  • Crossbeddingbressay

    Cross-bedding in a fluviatile sandstone, Middle Old Red Sandstone (Devonian) on Bressay, Shetland Islands

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    (Edited from source)

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