sedimentary rock

Layers of particles can harden into rock. This topic is part of Geology within Science & Nature. This page currently draws on 13 supporting questions, with answers and bonus facts available below.

Play sedimentary rock Trivia

sedimentary rock trivia questions

Sedimentary rock commonly forms from compacted and cemented what?

Answer: Sediments

Bonus fact: Layers of particles can harden into rock.

Which sedimentary rock forms largely from sand grains?

Answer: Sandstone

Bonus fact: Sandstone commonly preserves visible grains.

Why are fossils especially common in sedimentary rocks?

Answer: Sediments can bury remains without melting them

Bonus fact: Igneous and high-grade metamorphic processes usually destroy delicate remains.

Marble forms when which sedimentary rock is changed by heat and pressure?

Answer: Limestone

Bonus fact: Metamorphism recrystallizes limestone into marble.

What sedimentary rock is the usual precursor of slate?

Answer: Shale

Bonus fact: Pressure and heat transform shale into slate.

Slate commonly forms from metamorphism of what fine-grained sedimentary rock?

Answer: Shale

Bonus fact: Low-grade metamorphism turns shale into slate.

In an undisturbed sequence of sedimentary rock layers, fossils found in lower layers are generally what relative to fossils above them?

Answer: Older

Bonus fact: This principle of relative dating lets paleontologists order events even when exact numerical ages are unavailable.

Sedimentary rocks form chiefly from what material?

Answer: Deposited products of weathering and erosion

Bonus fact: Sediments can come from pre-existing igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary rocks.

Badlands are landscapes heavily shaped by what?

Answer: Erosion

Bonus fact: Water and wind carve soft sedimentary rocks into rugged forms.

What type of geologic fold is the Waterpocket Fold?

Answer: Monocline

Bonus fact: The structure produces a step-like flexure in sedimentary rocks.

Which kind of rock commonly forms in layers from sediments?

Answer: Sedimentary rock

Bonus fact: Sedimentary rocks often preserve fossils.

What type of rock commonly surrounds coal seams?

Answer: Sedimentary rock

Bonus fact: Coal forms within sedimentary basins.

Explore more Science & Nature trivia