The most common rock on the planet is __a)Igneous rockb)Sedimentary ro...
Compared to igneous and metamorphic rocks, which develop deep beneath the Earth, sedimentary rocks form on or near the surface. Destruction, weathering, dissolving, rainfall, and lithification are the major geological processes that contribute to the formation of sedimentary rocks.
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The most common rock on the planet is __a)Igneous rockb)Sedimentary ro...
Most Common Rock on the Planet: Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary rocks are the most common type of rocks found on the planet. They are formed by the accumulation and lithification of sediments over time. Here are some reasons why sedimentary rocks are the most common:
Abundance of Sediments
- Sediments are constantly being eroded from existing rocks and carried by water, wind, or ice to new locations where they accumulate.
- This continuous process of erosion and deposition results in a large quantity of sediment available for the formation of sedimentary rocks.
Wide Distribution
- Sedimentary rocks are found in various environments such as rivers, lakes, oceans, and deserts.
- They cover a significant portion of the Earth's surface due to their widespread distribution.
Formation Process
- Sedimentary rocks are formed through relatively simple processes such as compaction and cementation of sediments.
- These processes are common and occur frequently in nature, leading to the formation of sedimentary rocks.
Recycling of Sediments
- Sedimentary rocks can be easily weathered and broken down into sediments, which can then be re-deposited to form new sedimentary rocks.
- This cycle of erosion, deposition, and lithification contributes to the abundance of sedimentary rocks on Earth.
In conclusion, sedimentary rocks are the most common type of rocks on the planet due to the abundance of sediments, their wide distribution, the simplicity of their formation processes, and the continuous recycling of sediments in the Earth's geologic cycle.