Process by which sediments are pushed together

The rocks that result from these processes often have ribbonlike layers and may have shiny crystals on their surface, formed by minerals growing slowly over time. Metamorphosis From the Greek "to transform," metamorphosis is the change that occurs when rocks under the earth's surface are subjected to intense heat and pressure, turning them into metamorphic rocks.

Obsidian A type of extrusive igneous rock, created from lava that cools so quickly that no crystals can form on its surface. It can be found near volcanic lava flows. The Rock Cycle The recurring series of events that rocks undergo, over time, that transforms them from one type to another.

Sediment Loose pieces of minerals and rocks. Sedimentary Rock One of the three main rock types, formed from particles of sand, shells, pebbles, and other fragments of material. Together, all these particles are called sediment. Gradually, the sediment accumulates in layers and over a long period of time hardens into rock.

Generally, sedimentary rock is fairly soft and may break apart or crumble easily. You can often see sand, pebbles, or stones in the rock, and it is usually the only type that contains fossils. Volcano An opening in the earth's surface that allows hot magma, ash, and gases to escape from deep below the surface. When magma reaches the surface through a volcano, it is called lava. When lava cools, it forms extrusive igneous rock. Are formed from layers of sediment built up over many years. Are grains of sediment cemented together by various minerals.

May contain fossils - remains of plants and animals that were caught up in the sediment. Well I'm feeling much better now that I can call myself a sedimentary rock. What next? Sedimentary rocks are formed from the broken remains of other rocks that become joined together.

A river carries, or transports , pieces of broken rock as it flows along. When the river reaches a lake or the sea, its load of transported rocks settles to the bottom.

We say that the rocks are deposited. The deposited rocks build up in layers, called sediments. This process is called sedimentation. The weight of the sediments on top squashes the sediments at the bottom. This is called compaction.