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  • Sandstone Formation: How Layers of Sediment Create This Common Rock
    Layers and layers of sand deposited on the sea bottom form sandstone.

    Here's how it happens:

    * Sedimentation: Sand grains, primarily composed of quartz, are carried by rivers, wind, and ocean currents. They settle at the bottom of the ocean, forming layers.

    * Compaction: Over time, the weight of overlying layers compresses the sand, squeezing out water and air. This process is called compaction.

    * Cementation: Dissolved minerals in the water between the sand grains crystallize, acting as a glue that binds the grains together. This process is called cementation.

    The resulting rock, sandstone, is a sedimentary rock that is known for its porous and permeable nature.

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