Sedimentary

• What is the process of diagenesis?

  Transformation of sediment into sedimentary rock
• What are the three main types of rocks?

  Sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic
• How are sedimentary rocks formed?

  Through diagenesis of sediments
• What is the primary characteristic of igneous rocks?

  They are made of crystals
• What is the process of lithification?

  Transformation of sediment into solid rock
• What causes pressure to rise during lithification?

  Weight of overlying sediment
• What role does water play in lithification?

  It percolates and contains ions
• What are the three types of cement in sedimentary rocks?

  Haematite, calcite, quartz
• What are the characteristics used to describe sedimentary rocks?

  • Size of grain: coarse, medium, fine
  • Shape of grains: roundness, sphericity
  • Sorting: well sorted, poorly sorted
  • Colour: specific shades (e.g., red, gray)
  • Composition: types of grains present
• What is the size range for coarse sand?

  375 µm to 2 cm
• What does poorly sorted mean in sedimentary rocks?

  Grains are of varying sizes
• How does the shape of grains affect sedimentary rock classification?

  It indicates the transport history of sediments
• What does the term "sphericity" refer to in sedimentary rocks?

  The roundness of the grains
• What does "graded bedding" indicate in sedimentary structures?

  A rapid decrease in energy during deposition
• What is the typical color of mudstone?

  Red or brown
• What is the significance of imbricate structure in sedimentary rocks?

  It indicates unidirectional flow of water
• What is the size range for breccia?

  1 mm to 2 cm
• What does "desiccation cracks" indicate in sedimentary structures?

  Drying and shrinking of sediment
• What are the main sedimentary structures found in rivers?

  • Flood plains
  • Dessication cracks
  • Laminations
  • Point bars
  • Imbrication
  • Graded bedding
• What is the primary characteristic of conglomerate rocks?

  They are poorly sorted
• How does the composition of sandstone typically differ from conglomerate?

  Sandstone has finer grains than conglomerate
• How does the environment of deposition affect sedimentary rock characteristics?

  It influences grain size, shape, and sorting
• What is the typical color of conglomerate rocks?

  Blue-gray
• What does "fluvial" refer to in sedimentary environments?

  Relating to rivers and streams
• What is the significance of "Warther's Law" in sedimentology?

  Horizontal sequence matches vertical sequence
• What does "transgression" refer to in sedimentary environments?

  Rising sea levels over land
• How does the presence of fossils in sedimentary rocks indicate past environments?

  They reflect the conditions of ancient ecosystems
• What is the typical grain size of shale?

  Less than 187 µm
• What is the primary composition of deep marine environments?

  Clay minerals and fine sediments
• How does turbidity flow affect sediment deposition?

  It causes finer sediments to settle first
• What is the typical color of chert?

  Dark and low energy
• What is the significance of the critical angle in deep marine environments?

  It indicates where CaCO₃ dissolves
• How does sediment size change with depth in marine environments?

  Grain size decreases with increasing depth
• What is the primary characteristic of deep marine environments?

  They are dark and low energy
• What does "storm corrosion" refer to in marine environments?

  Erosion caused by storm activity
• How does the presence of planktonic life affect sediment deposition?

  It influences the type of sediments deposited
• What is the typical composition of shale?

  Clay minerals
• What is the significance of sedimentary structures in geology?

  They provide insights into past environments
• How do sedimentary structures help in understanding geological history?

  They reveal depositional environments and processes
• What is the term for the geological process involving the rise of sea level?

  Transgression