How can you tell the environment a sedimentary rock is deposited in?

The first stage in the formation of a sedimentary rock is the deposition of sediment. The size, shape and type of sediment can tell you lots about the depositional environment. In a high energy environment, such as a river bed, currents are able to carry large particles. When the current loses energy, these will be deposited. Low energy currents cannot carry large particles, and so fine grained rocks form in a low energy environment. As particles are transported, they are constantly eroded, decreasing the size of particles and increasing their roundness. Particles that have been transported contain well rounded particles or hard minerals such as quartz. These rocks are said to be more mature. If particles have not been transported as far, particles will be more angular, and softer, more easily destroyed minerals such as feldspar may still be present.

HU
Answered by Holly U. Geology tutor

3897 Views

See similar Geology A Level tutors

Related Geology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Which fossil group will show 5-fold (Pentameral) symmetry, is composed of plates, a mouth and an anus on opposite surfaces?


Explain the features and differences between the icehouse and the greenhouse effect?


How can you tell the environment a sedimentary rock is deposited in?


Are felsic or mafic magmas more explosive


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences