What is sediment?
-Uncosolidated fragments of rock and/or organis matter produced by weathering.
-Erosion, transport, & deposition concentrates sediments in basin such as stream beds, laked, valleys, & ocens.
Fragments of rock or mineral ranging is size from less than 0.1mm to several cm's. Sometimes referred to as clastic sediment. Properties-->grain size (ranging from silts to cobbles), shape (ranging from angular to well-rounded), & sorting
Consisting of plant or animal fragments (shell, bone, plant fiber, etc.). Sometimes grouped w/ chemical sediments (calcite, hydrocarbon, silica) & referred to as biochemical sediment
Produced by chemical reactions w/in or evaporation of a solution containing dissolved minerals (e.g. saltwater). Sometimes groups w/ biochemical sediment.
Have been broken down into ions (electrically charged fragments of atoms). In many geology txtbk's, these aren't recognized as a sediment.
How does sediment form?
By chemical and/or mechanical breakdown (weathering) of rock and/or organic material (bone, shell, or plant remains).
Occurs when minerals in the rock chemically react w/ water & gases in the atmosphere. Rate @which this occurs depends on the minerals being weathered & climate (temp. & precip.) Types: Hydrolosis, Oxidation, Solution.
The breakdown of rock by impact, abrasion, changes in temp. or pressure, or the activity of plants or animals. Types: Abrasion, Thermal stressing, Unloading, Wedging. (Also called physical weathering)
The addition of oxygen to a mineral or the loss of electrons from atoms in the minerals. (Chemical weathering)
Where rock is broken down when other rocks strike against it or when rocks or sediments r drug over it by water, wind, or ice. (Mechanical weathering)
When rock goes thru abrupt changes in temp. When the sun heats rock it expands, when the rock cools it contracts. If this occurs repeatedly, the shrinking & swelling of the rock eventually breaks it apart. (Mechanical weathering)
Where the rock formed deep w/in the crust expands & cracks as it's brought 2 the surface. This happens b/c the rock is formed @high pressures due to the weight of the rock on top of it. As the rock's brought to the surface weight of the overlying rock decreases, allowing it 2 expand. (Mechanical weathering)
Where the rock's pried apart by water freezing or salt precipitating w/in cracks in the rock or plants taken root w/in the cracks. (Mechanical weathering)
What is a sedimentary rock?
Composed of consolidated rock fragments or organic remains, or precipitated minerals.
How do u classify a sedimentary rock?
By composition & texture. Major types--> Detrital & biochemical rocks.