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Sedimentary Rocks, , The word sedimentary is derived from Latin word ‘sedimentum’, which means settling down., , Rocks of the earth’s surface (igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic), are exposed to denudational agents (like streams, sea-waves, glaciers, and wind) and are broken down into fragments of various sizes., , These fragments are transported and deposited at low lying areas, like seas, lakes etc. These deposited sediments get compacted and, though “lithification” turn into rocks., , Lithification is the process by which newly deposited sediments are, converted into a solid rock by compaction and cementation. Likewise, induration is the process by which sediments are hardened by, heating, compression and cementation., , , , Sedimentary Rocks : Characteristics, These occupy largest areas (around 75%) of the present surface of, earth, These are comparatively soft and can be scratched easily., These are permeable and porous. If the pores of the rock connect, together, water, air or oil can flow through the rock (this is called, permeability)., These are fossiliferous. i.e. these can contain fossils from animals and, plants that are trapped in the sediments before it becomes a rock., Sedimentary rocks are stratified. i.e. these rocks are laid down in, layers.
