GENERAL GEOLOGY THEORY

TOPIC Sedimentary Rocks

1 Table of Contents
1.1 Introduction: ..................................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Examples: ......................................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Characteristics: ................................................................................................................. 2
1.4 Uses of Sedimentary Rocks: ............................................................................................ 2
2 Formation of Sedimentary Rocks: ........................................................................................... 3
2.1 Steps of Sedimentary Rock Formation: ........................................................................... 3
2.2 Formation of Sedimentary Rock: ..................................................................................... 4
2.2.1 Weathering: ............................................................................................................... 4
2.2.2 Erosion and Transportation: ...................................................................................... 4
2.2.3 Deposition: ................................................................................................................ 4
2.2.4 Compaction: .............................................................................................................. 4
2.2.5 Cementation: ............................................................................................................. 4
3 Types of Sedimentary Rocks: .................................................................................................. 5
3.1 Organic Sedimentary Rocks: ............................................................................................ 5
3.1.1 Formation: ................................................................................................................. 5
3.1.2 Example: ................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Clastic Sedimentary Rock: ............................................................................................... 5
3.2.1 Formation: ................................................................................................................. 5
3.2.2 Examples:.................................................................................................................. 5
3.3 Chemical Sedimentary Rocks: ......................................................................................... 6
4.3.1 Formation: ................................................................................................................. 6
4.3.2 Examples:.................................................................................................................. 6

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 Sedimentary Rocks

1. Sedimentary Rocks:

1.1 Introduction:
Sedimentary rocks are rocks that are formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediments.
Sediments can include fragments of rocks, minerals, organic matter, and even shells or skeletons
of marine organisms. These sediments are deposited in
layers over time and undergo processes like lithification
to form solid rocks.

1.2 Examples:
Examples of sedimentary rocks include; sandstone,
Figure 1 Sedimentary Rock
limestone, shale and coal.

1.3 Characteristics:
1. They often contain fossils and provide valuable insights into Earth’s history.
2. Sediments can include fragments of rocks, minerals, organic matter, and even shells or
skeletons of marine organisms.
3. These sediments are typically deposited in layers, known as strata, which can be seen in
the visible layers of sedimentary rocks.
4. Sedimentary rocks often contain fossils, providing valuable information about past life
forms and Earth’s history.
5. Sedimentary rocks are often softer and more easily weathered compared to other rock type
6. They can be found in various environments, including rivers, lakes, oceans, and even
deserts.

1.4 Uses of Sedimentary Rocks:

1. Limestone, a common sedimentary rock, is widely used in construction as a building
material and for making cement.

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 2. Sandstone is often used as a building stone and for decorative purposes due to its unique
texture and colors.
3. Shale, another sedimentary rock, is an important source of natural gas and oil.
4. Coal, a type of organic sedimentary rock, is a major source of energy and is used for
electricity generation and industrial processes.
5. Gypsum, a sedimentary rock composed of calcium sulfate, is used in making plaster and
drywall.
6. Sedimentary rocks like limestone and dolomite are used in agriculture to improve soil
fertility and adjust pH levels.
7. Chalk, a soft sedimentary rock, is used in making chalkboards, toothpaste, and as a filler
in various products.
8. Sedimentary rocks like rock salt and gypsum are used in the chemical industry for
manufacturing various products.

Formation of Sedimentary Rocks

2 Formation of Sedimentary Rocks:

Sedimentary rocks are formed from deposits of pre-existing rocks or pieces of once-living
organism that accumulate on the Earth’s surface. If sediment is buried deeply, it becomes
compacted and cemented, forming sedimentary rock.

2.1 Steps of Sedimentary Rock Formation:

The most important geological processes that lead to the creation of sedimentary rocks are

1. Weathering
2. Erosion
3. Transportation
4. Deposition
5. Compaction
6. Cementation
7. Lithification
Figure 2 Sedimentary Rocks Formation

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2.2 Formation of Sedimentary Rock:

2.2.1 Weathering:
The process begins with the breakdown of the existing rocks through weathering. This can be
caused by

 Physical forces (like wind and water erosion)

 Chemical processes ( such as the dilution of minerals)

2.2.2 Erosion and Transportation:

Weathered rock and mineral particles are
carried away by agents like wind and water.
They are transported from their original
location to a new area.

2.2.3 Deposition:
As the transporting agents lose energy (e.g.
when a river slows down), they deposit the
sediments they were carrying. These
sediments accumulate in layers over time. Figure 3 Process of Formation

2.2.4 Compaction:
The weight of overlying sediments compresses the layers beneath, leading to compaction. This
reduces the pore spaces between particles.

2.2.5 Cementation:
Minerals dissolved in water can fill the pores spaces between the sediments. Over time, this
minerals crystallize, binding the sediments together. Common cementing minerals include calcite,
silica and iron oxide.

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 Types of Sedimentary Rocks

3 Types of Sedimentary Rocks:

The sedimentary rocks are classified into three different types:

 Organic Sedimentary Rocks

 Clastic Sedimentary Rocks
 Chemical Sedimentary Rocks

3.1 Organic Sedimentary Rocks:

3.1.1 Formation:
Organic sedimentary rocks are formed from the
accumulation of organic materials, primarily the remains
of plants and animals, in specific environments where
decomposition is limited. Over time, these organic
materials are compacted and presered.

3.1.2 Example:
Chalk, coal, diatomite, some dolomites, and some limestones. Figure 4 Organic Sedimentary Rock

Clastic Sedimentary Rock:

3.1.3 Formation:
Clastic rocks are formed from the accumulation and
lithification of fragments of other rocks and minerals,
known as clasts. These clasts are typically transported
and deposited by various agents such as water, wind.

3.1.4 Examples: Figure 5 Clastic Sedimentary Rock

Breccia, conglomerate, sandstone, siltstone, and shale.

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3.2 Chemical Sedimentary Rocks:

3.2.1 Formation:
Chemical sedimentary rocks form from the precipitation
of minerals from a solution, often due to the evaporation
of water. These rocks are commonly found in
environments such as evaporating lakes and seas.

3.2.2 Examples:
Figure 6 Chemical Sedimentary Rock
Examples of chemical sedimentary rocks include rock salt, limestone and dolostone.

TABLE FOR EXMPLE

Organic Sedimentary Clastic Chemical

Rock: Sedimentary Sedimentary Rocks:
Rock:
3.2.2.1 Coal: 3.2.2.2 Sandstone: 3.2.2.3 Limestone:
Coal is an organic sedimentary rock Made up of sand-sized Primarily composed of the
that forms mainly from plant debris. grains that are often well- mineral calcite, often formed
The plant debris usually accumulates in sorted and cemented. from the accumulation of
a swamp environment. Coal is shells and skeletons of marine
combustible and is often mined for use organisms.
as a fuel.

3.2.2.4 Chalk: 3.2.2.5 Siltstone: 3.2.2.6 Dolostone:

Chalk is a type of limestone made up of Composed of fine silt- Similar to limestone but
the microscopic calcium carbonate sized particles. contains the mineral dolomite.
shells of marine organisms. Chalk is
soft, friable, porous,

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3.2.2.7 Shale: 3.2.2.8 Rock Salt:
Consists of very fine clay-sized particles and Composed mainly of the mineral halite, often
has a tendency to split into thin layers. formed in evaporating marine basins.

Clastic Sedimentary Rock: Chemical Sedimentary Rocks:

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