This activity simulates the natural formation of layered rock sequences from various sedimentary particles. By understanding the environments that lead to the creation of different sedimentary rocks, we can better locate valuable natural resources beneath the Earth’s surface.
Clastic sedimentary rocks are formed when particles (sedimentary grains) are deposited and later lithified (i.e., compacted and cemented). Deposition happens with the help of transport agents such as water (rain, creeks or rivers), wind or ice. Gravity tends to carry the grains to the lowest point available in a number of environments, e.g., deserts between mountains, lakes, rivers and oceans. The physical, chemical, and biological processes associated with these depositional environments result in unique rock layers. When depositional environments change over geologic time, new and different layers may form.
Our activity Layer It On: Build Your Own Stratigraphy allows participants to work with various materials to build their own stratigraphy and visualize discrete layers within Earth.
A teacher lesson plan is provided below and this document contains standards correlation and a link to download any student documents referred to in the lesson plan.
