Definition

ROCKS formed by the accumulation of SEDIMENT in water (aqueous DEPOSITS) or from air (eoli­an DEPOSITS). The SEDIMENTS may consist of rock frag­ments or particles of various sizes (conglomerate, sandstone, shale); of the remains or products of ani­mals or plants (certain LIMESTONES and coal); of the product of chemical action or of evaporation (salt, gypsum, etc.); or of mixture of these materials.