sedimenttikiven

Sedimenttikivi is the Finnish term for sedimentary rock. Sedimentary rocks are a major class of rock types that, along with igneous and metamorphic rocks, make up the Earth's crust. They are formed from the accumulation or deposition of mineral or organic particles at the Earth's surface, followed by cementation.

These particles, called sediment, are derived from the weathering and erosion of pre-existing rocks, or from biological activity, or from chemical precipitation. Sediment is transported by agents such as water, wind, ice, or gravity, and deposited in layers. Over time, these layers are compacted by the weight of overlying sediment and cemented together by minerals precipitating from groundwater, forming solid rock.

Common types of sedimentary rocks include sandstone, shale, and limestone. Sandstone is formed from sand-sized grains, shale from clay and silt-sized particles, and limestone primarily from calcium carbonate, often from the remains of marine organisms. Sedimentary rocks are important for understanding Earth's history as they often contain fossils and preserve evidence of past environments. They are also valuable resources, providing sources of fossil fuels, minerals, and building materials. The processes of formation, deposition, compaction, and cementation are key to understanding this rock type.