This atomic arrangement, with the positively charged hydrogens on one side and negatively charged oxygen on the other side, gives the water molecule a property called polarity. The two hydrogen atoms are separated by an angle of about 105 degrees, and both are located to one side of the oxygen atom. The water molecule consists of two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to one oxygen atom arranged in a specific and important geometry. Several special properties make water an especially unique substance, and integral to the production of sediments and sedimentary rock. It also is a weathering and erosion agent, producing the grains that become detrital sedimentary rock. It is one of the main agents involved in creating the minerals in chemical sedimentary rock. Water plays a role in the formation of most sedimentary rock. 5.1 The Unique Properties of WaterĪ model of a water molecule, showing the bonds between the hydrogen and oxygen. Even though sedimentary rocks can form in drastically different ways, their origin and creation have one thing in common, water. This is because the majority of the Earth’s surface is made up of sedimentary rocks and their common predecessor, sediments. Sedimentary rock and the processes that create it, which include weathering, erosion, and lithification, are an integral part of understanding Earth Science. Explain the importance of sedimentary structures and analysis of depositional environments, and how they provide insight into the Earth’s history.Differentiate the two main categories of sedimentary rocks : clastic rock formed from pieces of weathered bedrock and chemical rock that precipitates out of solution by organic or inorganic means.

Explain how chemical and mechanical weathering turn bedrock into sediment.

Describe how water is an integral part of all sedimentary rock formation.

5 Weathering, Erosion, and Sedimentary Rocksīy the end of this chapter, students will be able to:

5 Weathering, Erosion, and Sedimentary Rocks Light illuminates the sedimentary rocks of Notch Peak, in the House Range of western Utah.

Ice wedging water falls diagram