Question

Where do sedimentary rocks originate?



How are they formed?


What are the three categories of sedimentary rocks?


What are the distinguishing characteristics between the three categories of rocks?

Answer 1

(Broken Link Removed)

http://geology.com/rocks/sedimentary-rocks.shtml

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedimentary_rock

Answer 2

What are the three categories of sedimentary rocks?


clastic rock formed from fragments broken off from parent rock, by
o weathering in situ or
o erosion by water, ice or wind
followed by transportation of sediments, to the place of deposition;
biogenic activity; or
precipitation from solution.
The sediments are then compacted and converted to rock by the process of lithification

Answer 3

This is from the second link above:

"There are three basic types of sedimentary rocks:

1) clastic sedimentary rocks such as breccia, conglomerate, sandstone and shale, that are formed from mechanical weathering debris;

2) chemical sedimentary rocks such as rock salt and some limestones, that form when dissolved materials precipitate from solution; and,

3) organic sedimentary rocks such as coal and some limestones which form from the accumulation of plant or animal debris."