sedimentary rocks

sedimentary rocks are formed by material derived from breakdown of pre existing rocks and other organic materials

these type of rocks are normally formed near the earths surface

there are 2 types of sedimentary rocks, ^^organic^^ and ^^inorganic^^

organic are created from once living organisms

inorganic are formed by the weathering and erosion of older rocks

all sedimentary rocks have the common characteristic of layering or stratification. these layers are known as strata

the lines separating these layers is called the ^^bedding plane^^

the vertical cracks joining the bedding planes together are known as ^^joints^^

sediments are converted into rock by ^^compaction and cementation^^

compaction is when particles are pushed and squeezed together under the weight of the overlying sediments

cementation is when the cementing agents bind particles into a solid rock

these combined processes are called ^^lithification^^

limestone is an organically formed rock

it is the most common rock in ireland

it forms a landscape known as a karst landscape and this can be found in the burren in county clare

irish limestone was formed in warm, shallow, tropical seas about 300-350 million years ago

ireland was close to the equator during this period called the carboniferous period and its called carboniferous limestone

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