sedimentary

/,sedi'mentəri/

Thân thiện

Sedimentary rocks form distinct layers over long periods of time.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Formed from sediment: Describes rocks or deposits that are created by the accumulation and consolidation of mineral and organic particles (sediment), typically transported by water, wind, or ice.
   • Relating to or containing sediment: Pertaining to the process of sedimentation or materials composed of sediment.

Usage

The word "sedimentary" is primarily used in geological and scientific contexts to describe rocks, layers, or processes. It is a technical term but is common in general science education.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • Sandstone and shale are common sedimentary rocks.
  • The canyon walls reveal distinct sedimentary layers formed over millions of years.
  • The geologist studied the sedimentary deposits at the river delta.

Advanced Usage

• "sedimentary basin": A large, low-lying area where sediments have accumulated over geological time.
  • The region is a major sedimentary basin rich in fossil fuels.
• "sedimentary cycle": The process involving the weathering of rocks, transport of sediment, its deposition, and eventual lithification into new rock.
  • The sedimentary cycle is a key part of Earth's geology.

Variants and Related Words

• Sediment (n): Solid material that settles at the bottom of a liquid.
  • The river sediment made the water cloudy.
• Sedimentation (n): The process of settling or being deposited as sediment.
  • Sedimentation is the first step in forming these rocks.

Synonyms

• Stratified: Arranged in layers (often used for sedimentary rocks).
• Depositional: Relating to the natural process of laying down matter by a natural agent.

Antonyms

• Igneous: (Of rock) formed from molten material.
• Metamorphic: (Of rock) transformed by heat and pressure.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. produced by the action of water
2. resembling or containing or formed by the accumulation of sediment
   • sedimentary deposits

Từ đồng nghĩa

• aqueous