The processes by which sediments are changed into rock are complex, but can be simplified into two processes, called compaction and cementation.
Compaction:
happens when sediments are deeply buried, placing them under pressure because of the weight of overlying layers. This squashes the grains together more tightly.
Cementation:
is where new minerals stick the grains together – just as cement (from a bag) binds sand grains in a bricklayer’s mortar. If you look carefully at the microscope photo, you can see mineral crystals that have grown around the sediment grains and bonded them together.
Sedimentary Rock
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Question 1
1.
How does sediment form?
Question 2
2.
What is cementation?
Question 3
3.
What are some examples of sedimentary rock?
Explain: What processes form sedimentary rock?
In order for sedimentary rock to form, the following processes must happen:
Cementation
Compaction
Erosion
Deposition
Weathering
Watch the video below.
Question 4
4.
What might be found trapped in layers of sedimentary rock?
Question 5
5.
What do fossils turn into over time?
Question 6
6.
How do fossil fuels form?
Question 7
7.
What are fossil fuels?
Question 8
8.
Where are fossil fuels found?
Fossil fuels are made from the remains of ancient plants and animals.
True
False
Drag and drop the words to show the correct order of processes in sedimentary rock formation (first on top).
sedimentation
compaction
cementation
Choose the THREE processes that create and relocate sediment.
evaporation
weathering
metamorphosis
precipitation
deposition
erosion
reflection
insulation
transformation
Drag and drop the words onto their matching definitions.
Compaction
Cementation
The process of squishing air or water from between sediment particles due to increased pressure.
The process of minerals sticking individual sediment grains together.
Drag and drop the pictures into the boxes show the order of fossil fuel formation.
What is the first step in forming sedimentary rock?
Cooling of lava
Metamorphosis of rocks
Erosion of sediments
Weathering of existing rocks
What is a common characteristic of fossil fuels?
Found in igneous rocks
Non-renewable energy sources
Formed from ancient organisms
Produced by photosynthesis
What do sedimentary rocks form from?
Single large rocks only.
Volcanic ash and lava flows.
Meteor impacts and water vapor.
Small particles and organic material compressed together.
What process turns buried plant material into fossil fuels?
Exposure to sunlight and air.
Heat and pressure over millions of years.
Chemical reactions with water only.
Rapid freezing and melting.
Where do sedimentary rocks usually form?
Deep inside volcanoes.
In large moving rivers only.
Above ground in mountains only.
In layers on the Earth's surface.
Which type of sedimentary rock forms from organic matter?