Which term describes rocks formed from compacted sediments?

Which term describes rocks formed from compacted sediments?

• A. Metamorphic rock
• B. Igneous rock
• C. Sedimentary rock
• D. Chemical rock

Answer: (C)

The term that describes rocks formed from compacted sediments is sedimentary rock. Sedimentary rocks are formed through the accumulation and lithification of sediments, which can include particles of other rocks, minerals, and organic materials. Over time, these sediments are compacted and cemented together by minerals that precipitate from groundwater, resulting in the formation of layers that can often contain fossils or other evidence of past environments. In contrast, metamorphic rock is formed from the alteration of existing rocks—either igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks—due to heat, pressure, or chemically active fluids. Igneous rock originates from molten material, such as magma or lava, that cools and solidifies, either beneath the Earth's surface or upon eruption. Chemical rock is a subtype of sedimentary rock that forms through the precipitation of minerals from solution, rather than from the compaction of sediments.

The term that describes rocks formed from compacted sediments is sedimentary rock. Sedimentary rocks are formed through the accumulation and lithification of sediments, which can include particles of other rocks, minerals, and organic materials. Over time, these sediments are compacted and cemented together by minerals that precipitate from groundwater, resulting in the formation of layers that can often contain fossils or other evidence of past environments.

In contrast, metamorphic rock is formed from the alteration of existing rocks—either igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks—due to heat, pressure, or chemically active fluids. Igneous rock originates from molten material, such as magma or lava, that cools and solidifies, either beneath the Earth's surface or upon eruption. Chemical rock is a subtype of sedimentary rock that forms through the precipitation of minerals from solution, rather than from the compaction of sediments.