Final answer:
Understanding the tectonic setting is important when working with sedimentary rocks because it provides valuable information about the environment in which the rocks were formed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the tectonic setting is important when working with sedimentary rocks because it provides valuable information about the environment in which the rocks were formed. Different tectonic settings, such as convergent plate boundaries and divergent plate boundaries, have distinct geological processes that affect the deposition and preservation of sedimentary rocks. For example, at a convergent plate boundary, where two plates collide, the intense pressure and heat can lead to the formation of metamorphic rocks, which can then be eroded and deposited as sedimentary rocks. On the other hand, at a divergent plate boundary, where two plates move apart, volcanic activity and the associated sediments can contribute to the formation of sedimentary rocks.