Question

Sedimentary rocks form when sand, mud, and pebbles create layers on top of each other. The pressure builds as each layer is added and eventually the layers turn into rock. What role does energy play in the formation of sedementary rock

Answer 1

Sedimentary rocks form through the energy-intensive processes of weathering, erosion, compaction, and cementation, where layers of sediments are transformed into rock as they are buried and pressure increases.

Step-by-step explanation:

The formation of sedimentary rocks involves energy primarily in the form of mechanical and chemical weathering, erosion, and the compaction and cementation processes. Weathering breaks down pre-existing rocks, and the particles are transported by energies such as wind and water currents. As these sediments accumulate, the weight of the overlying material increases the pressure, reducing the space between sediment particles (compaction).

The final step includes cementation, where minerals precipitate from the water being squeezed from the pores, acting like glue to bind particles together to form solid rock. These rocks, such as conglomerate, sandstone, and shale, store not only geological history but also natural resources vital to humans such as fossil fuels.

Answer 2

Energy from the Sun creates the cycle of rain and wind that causes erosion to produce sedimentation.

Step-by-step explanation: