Sedimentary Rock Formation and Weathering

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the formation of sedimentary rocks and the processes of weathering and erosion.

Parent rock

The original rock from which sedimentary rock is formed after weathering, erosion, and lithification.

Weathering

The process of physical breakdown and chemical alteration of Earth materials at or near the surface.

Erosion

The removal of weathered material from its place of origin.

Transportation

The movement of particles in solution or as solid particles from one location to another.

Deposition

The accumulation of sediments in a new location, leading to the formation of sedimentary rocks.

Lithification

The process through which sediments compact and cement to form sedimentary rock.

Siliciclastic rocks

Sedimentary rocks composed primarily of silicate minerals that originate from the mechanical breakdown of other rocks.

Chemical rocks

Sedimentary rocks formed from the precipitation of minerals from solution.

Compaction

The reduction in volume of sediment due to the weight of overlying materials, an essential part of lithification.

Cementation

The process in which minerals precipitate from water and bind sedimentary particles together.

Mechanical weathering

The breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces by physical forces without changing their chemical composition.

Chemical weathering

The chemical transformation of rock into one or more new compounds.

Frost wedging

A mechanical weathering process where water freezes and expands in rock cracks, causing the rock to break apart.

Thermal expansion and contraction

A mechanical weathering process where temperature changes cause rocks to expand and contract, leading to fractures.

Salt crystal growth

A process where salt crystals form in the pores of rocks upon evaporation of water, leading to rock disintegration.

Pressure release

A mechanical weathering process where rocks expand and break apart due to a reduction in pressure.

Organic activity

Weathering caused by the actions of living organisms, such as plant roots growing into rocks.

Differential weathering

The variation in the weathering rate of rocks due to their structural and chemical differences.

Arches National Park

A location in Utah known for unique rock formations created by differential weathering and erosion.

Rock cycle

The continuous process of rock transformation through weathering, erosion, transportation, deposition, and lithification.

Formation of sedimentary rocks

Involves a complex series of steps including weathering, erosion, transport, deposition, and lithification.