Sedimentary Rocks

Forensic scientists are commonly depicted on popular television shows finding small clues in a crime scene to help apprehend criminals. They are able to identify a suspect based on footprints or distinguish the timing of criminal events by observing seemingly unimportant details. Sedimentologists are geologists who study sedimentary rocks. These scientists serve as the forensic scientists of geology. Sedimentary rocks are the most common of the three rock types on Earth's crust. They are so plentiful at Earth's surface because the processes that lead to their formation can occur anywhere on the surface. Millions of years of sedimentary rock have accumulated at the surface of the Earth, and in the process, have preserved countless details about Earth's history.

Essential Questions

• How are sedimentary rocks made?
• What are sediments?
• What physical characteristics/features are common in sedimentary rock?