How are sedimentary rocks formed?

Sedimentary rock is one of the three main rock groups (along with igneous and metamorphic rocks) and is formed in four main ways: by the deposition of the weathered remains of other rocks (known as 'clastic' sedimentary rocks); by the accumulation and the consolidation of sediments; by the deposition of the results of biogenic activity; and by precipitation from solution. read more

Sedimentary rocks are types of rock that are formed by the deposition and subsequent cementation of that material at the Earth's surface and within bodies of water. Sedimentation is the collective name for processes that cause mineral or organic particles to settle in place. read more

Sedimentary rocks are formed from preexisting rock through the combined processes of weathering, transportation, deposition, compacting and cementation. The entire series of processes is known as lithification, and the weathering portion of the process can be either mechanical or chemical. read more