Earth Science Quarter 2 – Module 9:

How Layers of Rocks (Stratified Rocks)

are Formed

Submitted By
Jessica Arroz
Charyz Jaganas
Fresa Seneca

Submitted To
Roxanne C. Tabano
Learning Objectives:

1.) Define Stratification

2.) Describe how layers of rocks (stratified rocks) are formed.

Stratification

The stratification of rocks refers to the layering or arrangement of different rock types
or sediments in distinct horizontal layers, often reflecting the sequence of deposition
over time. This geological process provides valuable information about the Earth's
history and past environmental conditions.

Strata

It refers to distinct layers of rock or sediment.

Stratified rocks

Sedimentary rock, also called stratified rock, is formed over time by wind, rain and
glacial formations. These rocks may be formed by erosion, compression or dissolution

Examples:

Basaltic layers

Limestone layers
Quartzite

How stratified rocks form?

Step 1: Weathering

Weathering describes the breaking down or dissolving of rocks and minerals on the
surface of the Earth. Water, ice, acids, salts, plants, animals, and changes in
temperature are all agents of weathering.

Examples:

1.) Root Action -When trees and plants break apart rocks by pressure in their roots.
 2.) Frost Wedging - when the water freezes ,it expands and breaks apart rocks.

3.) Thermal expansion – Heating and cooling things rapidly causes cracks to form.
Step 2. Erosion (Transport)

Erosion is the geological process in which earthen materials are worn away and
transported by natural forces such as wind gravity, water.

Examples:

Wind erosion

Water erosion

Gravitational erosion

Step 3. Deposition
 The sediments ( broken- down pieces of rock) settle on riverbeds, ocean floor and other
land masses, building up layers.

Examples:

1. Accumulation of sedimentary layers in a river delta.

- As rivers flow into a body of water, such as a lake or an ocean, they carry sediments
like sand, silt, and clay. These sediments settle and form distinct layers over time,
creating a stratified rock sequence.

2. Gradual accumulation of marine sediments.

-Over time, materials like shells, organic debris, and fine-grained particles settle at the
ocean floor, forming layers of sediment.

Step 4. Compaction

Compaction in geology is when sand, dirt, clay, and/or small rocks are pressed
together over time so that the space between the pieces gets smaller. The deposited
sediments will decrease in volume, and form together in one layer of sedimentary rock.
Examples:

1. The compression of sediments in bodies of water over long periods of time that
form sedimentary rocks.
2. Another example is the compaction of ancient plants that leads to the formation
of coal.

Step 5. Cementation- When the water in cement evaporates. Minerals form between
particles gluing them together.

Example:

Formation of limestone,

Calcium carbonate cements sediment layers over time creating a stratified structure.

Formation of sandstone

Sandstone is another example where cementation plays a key role in the formation of
stratified rocks. The grains of sand accumulate, and minerals like silica or calcium
carbonate act as a cementing agent, binding the layers of sediment into a stratified rock
structure over geological time.

3 Laws of stratified rocks

Law of Superposition

is a basic law of geochronology, stating that in any undisturbed sequence of rocks

deposited in layers, the youngest layer is on top and the oldest on bottom, each layer
being younger than the one beneath it and older than the one above it. because at any
one location it indicates the relative ages of rock layers and the fossils in them.

Law of Original Horizontality

It was first proposed by Danish geological pioneer Nicholas Steno in the 17th century.
The law states that layers of sediment were originally deposited horizontally under the
action of gravity. It suggests that all rock layers are originally laid down (deposited)
horizontally and can later be deformed. This allows us to infer that something must have
happened to the rocks to make them tilted. This includes mountain-building events,
earthquakes, and faulting.
The Law of Lateral Continuity

It states that the layers of rock are continuous until they encounter other solid bodies
that block their deposition or until they are acted upon by agents that appeared after
deposition took place such as erosion and fault movements.
Summary:

1.) Stratified rocks are rocks (mostly sedimentary) that have visible bands of minerals.

2.) Stratification of rocks occurs when sediments settle and accumulate in distinct layers
over time.

3.) Stratified rocks undergo 4 steps in the process:

3.1 ) Weathering breaks down rocks and erosion transport them and erosion
transport them.

3.2) Deposition settles the sediments and compaction forms them together in layers.