What is the name of the type of rock formed from the compression of particles from other rocks or biological remains?

Study for the Pennsylvania Junior Envirothon Test. Explore environment-related topics through interactive quizzes, detailed explanations, and hints. Get ready for your exam!

Sedimentary rock is formed from the accumulation and compression of particles derived from pre-existing rocks, minerals, and biological remains. This process often occurs in layers over time, where sediments like sand, silt, and clay are deposited by water, wind, or ice. The particles become compacted and cemented together, resulting in the formation of rocks such as sandstone, limestone, and shale. These rocks can often contain fossils, which are remnants of ancient organisms, highlighting the biological aspect of sedimentary formations.

Igneous rock forms from the solidification of molten material (magma or lava) and does not involve the compression of previously existing materials. Metamorphic rock arises from the transformation of existing rock types due to heat, pressure, or chemically active fluids, entirely distinct from the sedimentary process. Volcanic rock, typically a subtype of igneous rock that forms specifically from lava flow, also does not involve the sedimentary processes related to compression and deposition of particles. Thus, the characteristics and formation processes of sedimentary rock distinctly align with the question presented.

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