Minerals are deposited and accumulated in strata of which of the follo...
A is the correct option.Minerals are found in layers or strata in sedimentary rocks. Minerals are accumulated in horizontal strata after being exposed to high heat and pressure for a long period of time. Coal, iron ore, gypsum, potash salt etc are formed in this way.
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Minerals are deposited and accumulated in strata of which of the follo...
Sedimentary rocks are the type of rocks in which minerals are most commonly deposited and accumulated. This is due to the specific processes involved in the formation of sedimentary rocks.
- Formation of Sedimentary Rocks:
Sedimentary rocks are formed through the process of weathering, erosion, transportation, deposition, and lithification. These processes are responsible for the accumulation of sediments, which eventually form sedimentary rocks.
- Weathering and Erosion:
Weathering is the breakdown of rocks into smaller particles due to various physical, chemical, and biological processes. Erosion is the process of transporting these weathered particles from their original location.
- Transportation and Deposition:
Once the sediments are weathered and eroded, they are transported by agents such as wind, water, or ice. These agents carry the sediments to a new location where they are deposited. The deposition occurs when the transporting agent loses energy and can no longer carry the sediments.
- Lithification:
After deposition, the sediments undergo compaction and cementation, which are collectively known as lithification. Compaction involves the squeezing of sediments by the weight of overlying layers, reducing the pore space between particles. Cementation occurs when minerals precipitate from groundwater and fill the remaining pore spaces, binding the sediments together.
- Mineral Deposition:
During the processes of transportation and deposition, minerals present in the sediments can be dissolved in water and then reprecipitated. This results in the accumulation of minerals within the sedimentary rocks. The minerals can vary depending on the composition of the original rocks, the source of the sediments, and the chemical conditions during deposition.
- Examples of Sedimentary Rocks:
Some common examples of sedimentary rocks that contain deposited and accumulated minerals include limestone, sandstone, shale, and conglomerate. Limestone, for example, is primarily composed of the mineral calcite, which is deposited from the remains of marine organisms.
In conclusion, minerals are most commonly deposited and accumulated in sedimentary rocks. The processes of weathering, erosion, transportation, deposition, and lithification contribute to the formation of sedimentary rocks and the accumulation of minerals within them.
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