Final answer:
The two basic types of sediments are clastic, formed by the deposition of particles from weathered rocks, and chemical/organic, formed from the precipitation of minerals or accumulation of organic debris.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two basic types of sediments are clastic and chemical/organic sediments. Clastic sediments originate from the weathering and erosion of pre-existing rocks which are then transported by elements such as wind, water, or ice. These particulate materials are then deposited to form sedimentary rock such as sandstone, shale, or mudstone. Chemical sedimentary rocks, like limestone and salt, form from the precipitation of minerals from concentrated solutions. An example includes the evaporation of water leaving behind salt crystals. Organic sedimentary rocks, like coal, oil, and natural gas, develop from the rapid burial and subsequent lithification of organic material. Meanwhile, biochemical rocks result from organisms like foraminifera, which create shells from calcium carbonate, accumulating over time to form sedimentary rocks.