Which of the following rock types is the most common on earth?

The most common rock type on Earth is sedimentary rock. Sedimentary rocks form from the accumulation and lithification of materials such as sediments, which can include fragments of other rocks, minerals, and organic matter. As they form in layers over time, they often contain fossils and provide valuable information about past environments and life on Earth.

This type of rock covers much of the Earth's surface, especially in continental areas, and is vital for understanding geological processes and history. Sedimentary formations include a range of rocks like sandstone, limestone, and shale, which collectively make up a significant portion of the Earth’s crust compared to other rock types.

In contrast, while igneous rocks, which originate from cooled magma or lava, are significant, they typically comprise a smaller overall area of the Earth's surface. Granite, a specific type of intrusive igneous rock, is just one representative of igneous rocks and is not more widespread than sedimentary rocks. Metamorphic rocks, formed under heat and pressure from pre-existing rocks, also play an important role but do not dominate in terms of surface coverage compared to sedimentary types.

Overall, the prevalence and formation processes of sedimentary rocks contribute to their status as the most common rock type on Earth, reflecting