Stratified rocks are sedimentary rocks that have formed in layers, also known as strata, over time. Sedimentary rocks are made up of small particles, such as sand, silt, and clay, that have been eroded from other rocks and carried by water or wind to a new location. These particles settle and are compacted over time, forming layers that become solid rock.
The layers in stratified rocks can be easily seen and are often different colors and textures, depending on the type of sediment that was deposited during the formation of each layer. Some examples of stratified rocks include sandstone, shale, and limestone.
The study of stratified rocks, called stratigraphy, is important in geology because it provides information about the history of the Earth's surface and the processes that have shaped it over time. By analyzing the layers of sedimentary rocks, geologists can determine the age of the rock and the conditions that existed during its formation. Stratified rocks can also contain fossils, providing evidence of past life on Earth.