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How to Find Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary rocks are formed when geological processes such as wind, water or other types of pressure cause sediments, such as dirt or pebbles, to be pressed together over a long period of time. This creates heterogeneous rocks that may contain many different types of minerals, crystals or pebbles. Sometimes they follow a particular pattern, and other times the rocks may be made of so many different types of materials that it is nearly impossible to identify all of the different types. Still other types of sedimentary rocks are formed in layers, providing a visual picture of the types of minerals that existed during different points in geological history.

Things You'll Need

Magnifying glass
Rocks
Rock guide book

Instructions

- 1
  Obtain a variety of rocks for analysis. You might collect rocks from your immediate surroundings or go on a hike. In the latter case, consider hiking near water or sites of historical river beds. Many sedimentary rocks are formed when sediment collects near rivers, or when waterfalls or the ocean weathers already-existing rock and carries the sediment away to form new rocks.
- 2
  Use the magnifying glass to examine each rock. Sedimentary rocks are made up of layers or other conglomerations of different types of minerals and sediments, so examine the rock to see if there are layers of different rock types or bits of different types of rocks that have been pressed together.
- 3
  Use a rock guide book or an online resource, such as the guide from James Madison University's website, to compare the rocks to other pictures of sedimentary rocks and make sure that you have identified the rocks correctly.
- 4
  Look for fossils in the rocks. Other types of rocks are formed through geological processes that involve intense heat, which often destroys fossils. If you find a fossil in a rock, it is most likely a sedimentary rock.

Rocks & Minerals