Which type of rock is formed from the accumulation of sediments?

Sedimentary rock is formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediments, which can include particles from pre-existing rocks, minerals, and organic materials. This process typically occurs in layers, often in bodies of water, where sediments gradually settle and accumulate over time.

The formation process includes several stages: weathering and erosion of existing rocks generate sediments, which are then transported and deposited by water, wind, or ice. Over time, these layers become compacted and cemented together, eventually forming solid rock. This type of rock often contains fossils and provides valuable information about the Earth's history and past environments, which is essential for understanding geological processes.

In contrast, igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock (magma or lava), metamorphic rocks result from the transformation of existing rocks under high pressure and temperature, and volcanic rock is a subset of igneous rock specifically formed from lava that cools rapidly on the Earth's surface. Each of these types of rock has distinct origins and characteristics that differentiate them from sedimentary rocks.