Question

what happens to sedimentary layers as they are buried under more layers?

they turn into metamorphic rock
they become compressed
they disappear
they float

Answer 1

As sedimentary layers are buried under more layers, they primarily **become compressed**. The weight of the overlying sediments exerts pressure on the deeper layers, which can lead to compaction. Over time, with increased pressure and temperature, these layers can undergo cementation and lithification, eventually transforming into sedimentary rock. If the conditions are suitable, and if they undergo significant heat and pressure, they can later transform into metamorphic rock, but the immediate effect of being buried is compression.