GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Sedimentary rocks are formed on or near the Earth’s surface, in contrast to metamorphic and igneous rocks, which are formed deep within the Earth. The most important geological processes that lead to the creation of sedimentary rocks are erosion, weathering, dissolution, precipitation, and lithification.

Detailed explanation-2: -Sedimentation is the collective name for processes that cause these particles to settle in place. The particles that form a sedimentary rock are called sediment, and may be composed of geological detritus (minerals) or biological detritus (organic matter).

Detailed explanation-3: -Compaction is when sediment is pushed together by the weight of water and other sediment pushing down on it. Cementation is the last stage in the cycle and happens when sediment is glued together by minerals such as silica and calcium carbonate as the minerals infiltrate pore space between compacted sediment.

Detailed explanation-4: -Erosion is a mechanical process, usually driven by water, wind, gravity, or ice, which transports sediment (and soil) from the place of weathering. Liquid water is the main agent of erosion. Gravity and mass wasting processes (see Chapter 10, Mass Wasting) move rocks and sediment to new locations.

Detailed explanation-5: -Weathering, erosion, and deposition are the processes that break rock down into sediment at the Earth’s surface. Wind, rain, running water, and ice commonly take part in these processes. Compaction and cementation-also known as lithification-is the process of loose sediments being formed into sedimentary rocks.