Introduction to Sedimentary Rocks

Flashcards covering the definitions and processes related to sedimentary rocks, focusing on classification, formation, and characteristics.

Sedimentary Rocks

Rocks that form at or near Earth's surface through various processes such as lithification, shell growth, organic accumulation, or mineral precipitation.

Clastic Sedimentary Rocks

Rocks formed by lithifying loose clasts, consisting of fragments from other rocks.

Weathering

The disintegration of bedrock, breaking it down into smaller particles.

Erosion

The separation of clasts from bedrock due to the movement caused by gravity, air, water, or ice.

Transportation

The movement of clasts by forces including gravity, wind, water, or ice.

Deposition

The process where clasts settle out of the transporting medium due to a loss of velocity or melting of ice.

Lithification

The transformation of sediment into rock through processes like compaction and cementation.

Compaction

The process of reducing the volume of sediment through the pressure exerted by overlying materials.

Cementation

The process of binding sediment grains together with minerals that precipitate from water.

Current Strength and Particle Size

The relationship between the strength of the current and the size of particles that can be deposited, with stronger currents depositing larger particles.

Grain Size Sorting

The process in which sediment is sorted by particle size due to varying current strengths during transport.

Mineral Maturity

The concept that less-resistant minerals are removed from sediment as transportation time and distance increase, leaving behind more resistant materials.