SEDIMENTARY ROCKS Sedimentary rocks are like Earth’s history books, recording stories of past environments, climates, and life. They form from the accumulation and compaction of sediments such as sand, silt, clay, or even the remains of plants and animals. Over time, layers build up, harden, and preserve evidence of the past in the form of fossils, ripple marks, and stratification. Common examples include sandstone, limestone, and shale. These rocks not only shape our landscapes but also provide