What is the primary characteristic of sedimentary rocks?

Sedimentary rocks are primarily characterized by their composition, which consists of fragments of other rocks, minerals, and organic materials. This formation process occurs through the weathering and erosion of existing rocks, followed by the transport of these materials by water, wind, or ice. Over time, these sediments accumulate in layers, often in bodies of water or other depositional environments.

Eventually, the accumulated sediments undergo compaction and cementation, which solidifies them into rock. This characteristic distinguishes sedimentary rocks from igneous rocks, which are formed from cooled magma, and metamorphic rocks, which are created under conditions of high temperature and pressure, altering pre-existing rocks. The unique formation process of sedimentary rocks makes them crucial for understanding Earth's history, as they often contain fossils and evidence of past environments.