Description Although Earth is mostly made up of igneous and metamorphic rock, sedimentary rock covers about 75 percent of Earth's land surface. This means it's the most visible kind of rock on Earth. Sedimentary rocks form when sediment accumulates and compacts. Your readers will learn how sedimentary rocks form, the different types of sedimentary rocks, and how people use sedimentary rocks. Fun fact boxes provide readers with additional information. A helpful diagram illustrates how sedimentary rocks form.