Question

What characteristic of the depositional environment influence

Answer 1

Answer:

The characteristic of the depositional environment affects the properties of sedimentary rocks are as follows-

(1) Lithology- It describes the constituent mineral and the type of texture these crystals have, which forms a sedimentary rock. These minerals occur in a certain depositional environment. When the weathered materials are derived and transported to some other place, then it forms a stable one in a fixed environment as the rocks are subjected to compaction and lithification, The environment in which these minerals have led to the formation of these rocks can be determined.

(2) Structure- There are various structures that occur in rock, such as ripple marks, cross-bedding that highlights the flow direction of water and wind. Many structures like slickensides, folding, faulting occurs in the sedimentary rocks that are formed due to tectonic activities. These structures can easily be identified and their environment of deposition can also be determined.

(3) Fossil content- Fossils are found to be embedded in the sedimentary rocks. The shells of organisms after death are accumulated at the bottom of the ocean. As a result of this, these shells are covered with the sediments and after millions of years, turn into fossils. For example, Sandstone, Limestone, and shale comprised of various types of shells. These fossils are found to be deposited in a shallow marine environment.