ESS 101 B LAB 2 QUIZ: SEDIMENTARY
ROCKS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
2026/2027 UPDATE || 100% GUARANTEED
PASS
1. Which of the following processes is responsible for the conversion of loose sediment into
solid sedimentary rock?
A. Crystallization
B. Intrusion
C. Metamorphism
D. Lithification
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Lithification involves the processes of compaction and
cementation that transform loose sediments into solid rock.
2. In the context of detrital sedimentary rocks, what does ‘sorting’ indicate about the
transport medium?
A. The chemical composition of the source rock
B. The energy and duration of transport
C. The temperature of the depositional environment
,D. The biological activity present during deposition
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Well-sorted sediments indicate a consistent energy level and a
long duration or distance of transport, allowing particles of different sizes to be separated.
3. Which mineral is most likely to be found in a mineralogically ‘mature’ sandstone?
A. Olivine
B. Quartz
C. Biotite
D. Orthoclase Feldspar
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Quartz is highly resistant to both chemical and mechanical
weathering, so its dominance indicates high mineralogical maturity.
4. A sedimentary rock composed of angular, pebble-sized fragments is known as:
A. Breccia
B. Conglomerate
C. Sandstone
D. Shale
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: Breccia is characterized by large angular fragments, suggesting
the sediment was not transported far from its source.
5. What is the primary difference between a conglomerate and a breccia?
A. Mineral composition
B. Grain size
C. Degree of rounding
D. Type of cement
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Conglomerates contain rounded fragments, while breccias
contain angular fragments.
6. Which rock is considered a chemical sedimentary rock formed by the evaporation of
seawater?
A. Chert
B. Limestone
C. Coal
D. Gypsum
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Gypsum and Halite are common evaporites formed when
mineral-rich water evaporates.
ROCKS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
2026/2027 UPDATE || 100% GUARANTEED
PASS
1. Which of the following processes is responsible for the conversion of loose sediment into
solid sedimentary rock?
A. Crystallization
B. Intrusion
C. Metamorphism
D. Lithification
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Lithification involves the processes of compaction and
cementation that transform loose sediments into solid rock.
2. In the context of detrital sedimentary rocks, what does ‘sorting’ indicate about the
transport medium?
A. The chemical composition of the source rock
B. The energy and duration of transport
C. The temperature of the depositional environment
,D. The biological activity present during deposition
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Well-sorted sediments indicate a consistent energy level and a
long duration or distance of transport, allowing particles of different sizes to be separated.
3. Which mineral is most likely to be found in a mineralogically ‘mature’ sandstone?
A. Olivine
B. Quartz
C. Biotite
D. Orthoclase Feldspar
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Quartz is highly resistant to both chemical and mechanical
weathering, so its dominance indicates high mineralogical maturity.
4. A sedimentary rock composed of angular, pebble-sized fragments is known as:
A. Breccia
B. Conglomerate
C. Sandstone
D. Shale
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: Breccia is characterized by large angular fragments, suggesting
the sediment was not transported far from its source.
5. What is the primary difference between a conglomerate and a breccia?
A. Mineral composition
B. Grain size
C. Degree of rounding
D. Type of cement
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Conglomerates contain rounded fragments, while breccias
contain angular fragments.
6. Which rock is considered a chemical sedimentary rock formed by the evaporation of
seawater?
A. Chert
B. Limestone
C. Coal
D. Gypsum
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Gypsum and Halite are common evaporites formed when
mineral-rich water evaporates.
