How does the rock cycle explain how sedimentary rocks form?

How does the rock cycle explain how sedimentary rocks form?

• A. Lava cools and crystallizes to form sedimentary rocks.
• B. Pressure and temperature transform sediments into sedimentary rocks.
• C. Weathering creates sediments, which are compacted and cemented into sedimentary rocks.
• D. Sedimentary rocks form directly from erosion of metamorphic rocks.

Answer: (C)

Sedimentary rocks form through the deposition, burial, and lithification of sediments produced by weathering. Weathering breaks down existing rocks into small particles and fragments. These sediments are then transported by wind, water, or ice and eventually settle in layers in places like rivers, lakes, or oceans. Over long periods, layers accumulate and are buried under newer sediments. The weight compresses the grains (compaction), and minerals dissolved in groundwater precipitate between the grains and bind them together (cementation). This combination of compaction and cementation turns loose sediments into solid rock, such as sandstone, shale, or limestone. The other options describe processes that lead to different rock types. Lava cooling forms igneous rocks. Pressure and temperature changing sediments would produce metamorphic rocks, not sedimentary. Erosion of metamorphic rocks can create sediments that could eventually become sedimentary rocks, but sedimentary rocks do not form directly from the erosion of metamorphic rocks.

Sedimentary rocks form through the deposition, burial, and lithification of sediments produced by weathering. Weathering breaks down existing rocks into small particles and fragments. These sediments are then transported by wind, water, or ice and eventually settle in layers in places like rivers, lakes, or oceans. Over long periods, layers accumulate and are buried under newer sediments. The weight compresses the grains (compaction), and minerals dissolved in groundwater precipitate between the grains and bind them together (cementation). This combination of compaction and cementation turns loose sediments into solid rock, such as sandstone, shale, or limestone.

The other options describe processes that lead to different rock types. Lava cooling forms igneous rocks. Pressure and temperature changing sediments would produce metamorphic rocks, not sedimentary. Erosion of metamorphic rocks can create sediments that could eventually become sedimentary rocks, but sedimentary rocks do not form directly from the erosion of metamorphic rocks.