Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary Rock Cycle

1.Weathering - Physical weathering breaks up the rocks (Clastic Sediments), chemical weathering dissolves out the minerals (Chemical Sediments).

2.  Erosion - Erosion carries away the sediments created by weathering.

3.  Transportation - Wind and water currents, and glacier movement carry the sediments downhill.  As the sediments are carried downhill, they are sorted by size (largest on the bottom and dropped first), and the edges are rounded and broken.

4.  Deposition - Particles settle out as wind dies down, water currents slow, or glaciers melt.  These particles form layers of sediments on land, or under water.

5.  Rapid Burial - Sediments covering up other sediments quickly.  The sediments can go undisturbed better in the ocean without roving scavengers or erosion.

6.  Compaction - Pressure and temperature increase.  The sediments are smooshed together tightly and squeeze the water out of pore spaces.

7.  Cementation - Minerals are deposited around the sediments and glue them together.

Eventually the rocks are exposed on the surface and the cycle begins again.