GEOLOGY 101, FAQS
Sediments and Sedimentary Rocks
Joseph Hull
 copyright  Joseph Hull

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1.  What are the two main processes of weathering (how do rocks break down)?  And what are the three main products of weathering (what is created or produced as a result of weathering)?

2.  What is a sedimentary environment, also known as an environment of deposition?  Name two sedimentary environments in the ocean, and name two sedimentary environments on land.

3.  Sediment (loose particles) is divided into three main types; what are the different types of sediment?  Which environments of deposition accumulate which type of sediment (where are these sediment types found)?

4.  How does sediment turn into sedimentary rock?  In other words, what are the processes, what are the necessary conditions to turn loose sediment into sedimentary rock?

5.  Sedimentary rocks tell you a lot about past environments, about the physical characteristics of the former environment millions of years ago.  What are some of the physical attributes, physical conditions, that sedimentary rocks can tell you about?

6.  What is the definition of a sedimentary structure?  Give at least one sedimentary structure that tells you something about:  A: wind direction, B:  wave direction, C:  climate/weather.

7.  Why are sediments and sedimentary rocks important economically?   In other words, what kinds of raw materials do we get from sediments and sedimentary rocks?

8.  A friend hands you a sedimentary rock specimen collected from the summit of Mt. Everest (the rocks at the summit ARE sedimentary).  How can you tell from this hand specimen that this rock is, indeed, a sedimentary rock?  Describe three ways.

 

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