How do sedimentary rock show earth's history?

Since the formation of sedimentary rocks is a result of the accumulation of dirt and "sediment" compressed under enormous bodies of water, it is also capable of trapping and fossilizing plant and animal remains; the strata of the rock correspond to the time period of its formation, recording a "history" of the earth at that location.

Fossils found in sedimentary rocks can also indicate past life forms and help date the rocks. Sedimentary structures like cross-bedding, ripple marks, and mud cracks provide clues about past depositional environments and processes. Sedimentary rocks show Earth's history through layers called strata, which form over time as sediment accumulates and is compacted. Each layer represents a different period of deposition, providing information about past environments, climates, and ecosystems.