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Key Information

Sedimentary Rocks

Type Formed from Minerals and Organic Particles that are Cemented Together
Area Mainly on the surface, or crust, of the Earth (or similar planets/moons)
Examples Limestones, Dolomites, Sandstones, Conglomerates, Mudrocks, Chalks and Cherts

Learning Point

  • Sedimentary rocks contain important information about the history of the Earth. They are formed in layers, made from material, both mineral and organic, that sits on the floor of oceans, lakes and rivers. This material is compressed hard, turning it into rock.

Project

  • Draw some rock strata (layers) from near where you live.
  • Overview
  • Strata
  • Sand Types
Sedimentary Rocks
User:Moondigger, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Strata of Sedimentary Rocks
ninara, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Types of Sand
Siim Sepp (Sandatlas), CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Fun Facts

  • Sedimentary rocks cover 73 % of the surface of the Earth, yet make up only 8% of all rock on our planet.
  • They are useful for building, as well being the source of resources like coal, water and metal ores.
  • Oceans often create less sediment per day compared to rivers.
  • Sedimentary rocks are more likely to contain fossils than any other type of rock.

Past Lessons

100 February 5, 2024 (North America)
No Past Lessons

Upcoming Lessons

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