Sedimentary rock is typically formed from:

Sedimentary rock is typically formed from:

• A. Cooled lava
• B. Metamorphic alteration of limestone
• C. Accumulation and compaction of particles
• D. Crystallization of magma

Answer: (C)

Sedimentary rocks form when loose particles settle out of water, wind, or ice and accumulate in layers, then become solid through compaction and cementation as they are buried deeper. The phrase accumulation and compaction of particles captures this lithification process, turning scattered sediments into rock. In contrast, rocks formed from cooled lava or magma crystallization are igneous, created when molten rock cools and solidifies. Metamorphic rocks like marble arise from heat and pressure changing existing rocks, not from accumulating loose sediments.

Sedimentary rocks form when loose particles settle out of water, wind, or ice and accumulate in layers, then become solid through compaction and cementation as they are buried deeper. The phrase accumulation and compaction of particles captures this lithification process, turning scattered sediments into rock.

In contrast, rocks formed from cooled lava or magma crystallization are igneous, created when molten rock cools and solidifies. Metamorphic rocks like marble arise from heat and pressure changing existing rocks, not from accumulating loose sediments.