Characteristics of Sedimentary Rocks. Sedimentary rocks have different characteristics from igneous rocks. The following are the main characteristics of Sedimentary rocks:-
(i) Stratification - These rocks display many layers in them. On account of the existence of many layers in them, they are called stratification rocks.
(ii) Fossilization. The rocks have fossils of plants and animals in them. The fossils help with the dating of the age of the rocks and throw light on evolution of plant and animal life.
(iii) Porosity - The rocks are porous because they are composed of all sizes of particles-fine, small and big. The water can percolate through the pores between the particles.
(iv) Marks and Imprints - The sediment at the coast of shallow seas is mostly sand. When attacked by sea waves, it is often identified by Ripple Marks. These marks are imprints of waves and crest and trough can be easily located. Long slopes are formed in the direction of the on coming waves. The floods form giant types of wave marks. The crests and trough of these waves are 70-110 meters apart and about 0.5 to 1 meter high.
(v) Rapid Erosion-The sedimentary rocks are weathered and eroded more rapidly than other types of rocks.
Sediment is usually deposited in shallow seas, lakes, deltas, marshy areas, piedmonts, etc. Mostly the sediment is deposited in marine and continental environments but Sea coasts are the meeting areas of land and seas. Hence, the third type of sedimentary environment is called mixed continental-marine environment.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page", St. Augustine said. Here at www.travel-university.org we believe that every page must be read and explored. Travel is an avenue of learning that no text or classroom can teach. The world is a living classroom and you the student. We invite you to the www.travel-university.org library where you can read general interest and detail oriented articles.
