What are the differences and similarities of Metamorphic & Sedimentary rocks?

Question

I need a list of Differences and Similarities of Metamorphic and Sedimentary rocks.

Answer 1

well the definitions of both would help differentiate them both:

sedimentary rock- a rock usually layered that results from consolidation or lithification of sediment

metamorphic rock- rock that has been changed into a different rock type without actually melting, by an increase in temperature and or temperature

hope this helps

Answer 2

Illonthehill gave a great summary of how sedimentary rocks are formed (with a fun analogy!) and how metamorphic rocks are formed. Sedimentary rocks form from the deposition of particles that were eroded else were. Sand is being deposited on a beach almost constantly, but it is being carried by the water from the source of that sand. Eventually such a beach may form a sedimentary rock (sandstone) -Essentially, they are rocks that compose of eroded particles. Metamorphic rocks are rocks that are "metamorphoed" (think, metamorphosis) or changes due to prevailing conditions. Heat and pressure, within the earth, has the ablility to change rocks chemical composition (the stuff thats makes up the rock) which inherently changes the way it looks too! So a metamorphic rock would have crystals that make it up, rather than particesl of eroded rock. Similarities are difficult to understand, but here is an attempt: Both metamorphic and sedimentary rocks exhibit some type of layering within the rock body (for the most part, not all metamorphic rocks have this -see foliated vs. non-foliated). Metamorphic rocks form layer due to all the pressure they are put under, and similar type of minerals will form along boundaries, making a "stripped" look to gniesses, or a layerd look to schists and slates. Sedimentary rocks have a similar thing, where they are layered. So if you were to look at sedimentary rocks you could put your finger on a boundary that seperates one depositional event vs. another.

Answer 3

sedimentary rocks are formed from layers of sediment that lithify due to pressure.

metamorphic rocks are either igneous or sedimentary rocks that undergo pressure and change form.