SEDIMENTARY ROCKS: A QUICK INSIGHT Sedimentary rocks are one of the major rock types that make up the Earth’s lithosphere. They are the most widespread, covering about 75% of the Earth’s surface. What makes sedimentary rocks unique is their layered appearance. This is because they form through diagenesis, the changes that occur to sediments after deposition, during lithification, and before metamorphism. The process of sediment formation involves: Weathering (physical and chemical breakdown of r

SEDIMENTARY ROCKS Sedimentary rocks are like Earth’s history books, recording stories of past environments, climates, and life. They form from the accumulation and compaction of sediments such as sand, silt, clay, or even the remains of plants and animals. Over time, layers build up, harden, and preserve evidence of the past in the form of fossils, ripple marks, and stratification. Common examples include sandstone, limestone, and shale. These rocks not only shape our landscapes but also provide