What might stop the development of an organic sedimentary rock?

Answer 1

A sedimentary rock is one that is formed from sediments laid down in horizontal strata, usual at the bottom of lakes or shallow seas. But they can be formed on land, such as Old Red Sandstone, which is a remnant of an ancient hot desert.

An "organic" sedimentary rock is one made up not from mineral sediments such as sand and mud, but from the skeletal remains of sea-creatures or from partially decayed plant remains (coal). It follows that organic sedimentary rock will always be formed under water. (The skeletons are mineral, typically calcium carbonate). An example is limestone, which may be carboniferous, oolitic, or chalk.


To answer the question, the factors that might stop the development of an organic sedimentary rock include: extinction of the species, loss of sea-life through climate change, or the drying up of the ocean through land uplift. Even an ice-age might affect the process.

Answer 2

Organic sedimentary rock development may stop if the accumulation of organic material ceases, such as with a decrease in biological activity or if environmental conditions change significantly. In addition, if the organic material is buried too quickly or eroded away before lithification can occur, the development of organic sedimentary rock may be hindered.