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The rock cycle is a basic concept in geology that describes transitions through geologic time among the three main rock types: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous. Each rock type is altered when it is forced out of its equilibrium conditions.
The rock cycle is an ongoing process that converts one type of rock into another. The rock cycle is the natural, continuous process that forms, breaks down, and reforms rock through geological, chemical, and physical processes. Through the cycle, rocks convert between igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary forms.
Sedimentary rocks form by the compaction and cementing together of sediments, broken pieces of rock-like gravel, sand, silt, or clay (figure 5). Those sediments can be formed from the weathering and erosion of preexisting rocks.
There are three main types of rocks: sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. Each of these rocks are formed by physical changes—such as melting, cooling, eroding, compacting, or deforming —that are part of the rock cycle. Sedimentary rocks are formed from pieces of other existing rock or organic material.
Mineral crystals grow around and between the particles, binding them together (cementing them). The hardened cemented sediments are sedimentary rock. Figure 6.8 shows an example of an ancient sedimentary rock in which ripple structures are preserved, and visible in cross-section as wavy lines. Figure 6.8 Ripples preserved in 1.2 Ga old ...
Sedimentary Rock Cycle Process. Rocks exposed to the atmosphere are variably unstable and subject to weathering and erosion. Abrasion and erosion break down the original rock into smaller pieces and remove dissolved materials. This shredded material accumulates and is embedded by additional material.
sedimentary rock, rock formed at or near Earth’s surface by the accumulation and lithification of sediment (detrital rock) or by the precipitation from solution at normal surface temperatures (chemical rock).
Sedimentary rocks can change into metamorphic rocks due to heat and pressure from the movements of the Earth. Those metamorphic rocks can be weathered, eroded, and the pieces transported away.
Sedimentary rocks are secondary formed materials since they are made up from the buildup of weathered and eroded pre-existing rocks. In precise, sedimentary rocks are formed from sediment deposits. Every rock grain initially separated from other rocks.
Sedimentary rocks are formed by the lithification of inorganic and/or organic sediments, or as chemical precipitates. There are two types of sedimentary rocks: Clastic and Chemical