Muskan

· 14 Dec 2021

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How is a sedimentary rock formed?

There are three types of rocks found in nature, named as sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks. Sedimentary rocks are the type of rocks which are formed by deposition of organic matter on the surface of the Earth. Here we talk about how is a sedimentary rock formed?

What are Sedimentary rocks?

When sediment accumulates, it forms sedimentary rocks. That means they develop on the Earth's surface over time, contrary to igneous or metamorphic rock, which are formed deep below under high pressure or heat. Natural changes in the environment are primarily responsible for sedimentary rock’s formation.  Erosion, precipitation, natural weathering, lithification, and dissolution are the primary processes responsible for the development of sedimentary rocks.

How is a sedimentary rock formed?

Sedimentary rocks can be formed in a variety of ways. These are formed by conversion of deposited organic material into solid rock formations over time and under constant pressure. Here are some of the natural phenomenon which leads to formation of Sedimentary rocks:

1.    Erosion: Erosion is a crucial factor in the formation of sedimentary rock. During erosion, the upper layer of Earth is slowly broken down by the wind, water, and rain, cutting through rock and soil. This eroded material (sediment) is deposited at certain sites and converts into sedimentary rock under pressure with time.

2.    Weathering: Weathering is the natural breakdown of rock caused by various weather patterns or meteorological occurrences. Large rock formations, boulders, river beds, and mountains may be gently worn away by wind and rain, resulting in tiny rock debris such as sand. Places like big canyons and waterfalls are good examples of this.

3.    Dissolution: Another process that breaks down hard and large rock formations into sediment is dissolution. Chemical weathering, or acidic rain, causes this sort of breakdown of large rocks.

4.    Lithification: Lithification is one method of forming new sedimentary rocks. When mud, clay, sand, or other sediments are squeezed under the weight of water, lithification occurs. All these progressively accumulate and undergo natural compression process which leads to formation of new rocks. These sediments are located on the ocean's or lakes' bottoms and have been crushed over a long period.

5.    Precipitation: Precipitation is another method associated with formation of sedimentary rocks. It involves deposition of minerals at the river bed when it dries up. When water bodies dries up, theses leaves lots of Mineral deposits behind. Some sedimentary rocks are formed out of this process, which we can generally found in floor of dried-up water-bodies or riverbeds.


Sedimentary Rocks and Their uses

Almost all structures and monuments are made of sedimentary rock. Below are some examples of how we can use this type of rock.
•    Limestone is used to make cement.
•    Building stones are made of limestone and sandstone.
•    Quartz is a sedimentary rock used in the glassmaking process.
•    Plaster is made from rock gypsum.

One of the three major rock types is a sedimentary rock. Chalk, limestone, sandstone, clay, and shale are the forms of sedimentary rocks. This rock covers seventy-five percent of the Earth's surface.



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