Sedimentary Rocks: Formation of Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary rocks form through the deposition of sediments in rivers, lakes, and oceans. As sediments settle, they build layers that compact and cement over time, forming rocks. This process occurs in various environments, including rivers, lakes, and oceans, with different sediment types forming distinct rock types like sandstone, limestone, and shale. Historical sediment layers, such as those in Utah, illustrate this process. Compaction and cementation are key processes in rock formation, with lithification describing the overall transformation of sediments into rocks.

How do layers of sediment contribute to the formation of sedimentary rocks over time?

Explain the term lithification in the context of sedimentary rocks.