Sedimentary Rocks

Layers upon layers upon layers upon layers.

Sedimentary rocks are one of the most commonly found type of rocks on earth's surface. There are two main groups of sedimentary rocks that we group them in:

• Clastic

• Chemical

Now these types of sedimentary rocks form under different circumstances. Clastic sedimentary rocks typically form because of mechanical weathering and erosion. Chemical sedimentary rocks are also made through weathering but it is literally just called chemical weathering. The only difference between the two weathering types is that one is a physical breakdown of the rock and one is the breakdown of the rock due to chemical reactions.

What is mechanical weathering and what are some examples?

• Mechanical weathering is the physical breakdown of rocks. Some ways these rocks are broken down are by water, wind, and even plants. Here are some images of mechanical weathering:

What is chemical weathering and what are some examples?

• Chemical weathering is the erosion or disintegration of rocks caused by chemical reactions. Some examples of chemical weathering are rust, which happens through oxidation and acid rain, caused from carbonic acid dissolves rocks. Other chemical weathering, such as dissolution, causes rocks and minerals to break down to form soil.