Sedimentary Rocks
What are sedimentary rocks made of?
Layers of sediment such as sand, silt, and clay.
Name one fossil fuel.
Coal, oil, or natural gas.
What is weathering?
The breaking down of rocks into smaller pieces.
What is one cause of weathering?
Wind, water, ice, or plant roots.
What is the most common sedimentary rock?
Shale
What is compaction?
The process of squeezing layers of sediment together under pressure.
What are fossil fuels made of?
Decayed plants and animals.
What is erosion?
The movement of sediment by wind, water, or ice.
What is one cause of erosion?
Moving water, wind, or glaciers.
Name a place where fossil fuels are found.
Deep underground or beneath the ocean floor.
Name one example of a sedimentary rock.
Sandstone, limestone, or shale.
How long does it take to form fossil fuels?
Millions of years.
What is deposition?
The process of sediments settling in a new location.
How does water cause erosion?
By carrying sediments downstream.
What is one way fossil fuels are harmful?
They release greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
What is cementation?
The process where minerals stick sediments together like glue.
Name two types of fossil fuels.
Oil and coal (or natural gas).
How does heat help form fossil fuels?
Heat transforms organic material into fossil fuels over time.
How do plants help weathering?
Plant roots grow into cracks in rocks, breaking them apart.
What type of energy can replace fossil fuels?
Renewable energy like solar, wind, or hydroelectric power.
Why are fossils found in sedimentary rocks?
Sedimentary rocks form in layers that gently preserve fossils.
What is one use of fossil fuels?
Producing energy for electricity, transportation, or heating.
What happens during cementation?
Minerals fill in the spaces between sediment particles and harden.
What is deposition?
When eroded materials settle in a new location.
Why are sedimentary rocks important to scientists?
They contain fossils and clues about Earth's history.